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CASPAR DESMOND’S 
^PASSION.-^ 


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publisKer 
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'ML 


PAUL! ME- 


No. 29, 


GRAY55N 


rr/Si 



TWENTY-FIVE 
1 - - SERMONS 

orr 

The Holy Land. 

B-sr 

Rev. T. De Witt Talmage, D.D. 


No Series of Sermons ever delivered by this 
famous preacher has created such a widespread and 
/ntense interest as this. These Sermons describe with 
vivid interest the scenes, incidents and many various 
experiences met with in the Holy Land, the land in 
which people are now more interested than ever 
before. 

Among* the hundreds of thousands of people who 
have read the utterances of this wonderfully^ success- 
ful preacher there are none but will be g^lad to have 
this book. Read the following* 

TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

1. Eve of Departure— 2. I Must also See Rome — 3 A Med- 
iterranean Voyage— 4. Paul’s Mission in Athens — 5. Life and 
Death of Dorcas— 6. The Glory of Solomon's Reign — 7. Peace, 
Be Still — 8. The Murriage Feast — 9. Christmas Eve in the Holy 
Land — 10. The Joyful Surprise— 11. How a King's Lih* was 
Saved — 12. The Philippian Earthquake— 13. What is in a Name? 
—14. The Half was not Told Me. — 15. I Went Up to JerusaU'm. 
—16. On the Housetop in Jerusalem — 17. The Journey’ to Jeri- 
cho — 18. He Toucheth the Hills and They Smoke — 19. Solomon 
in all His Glory — 20. The Journey’ to Bethel — 21. Incidents in 
Palestine — 22, Among the Holy Hills. — 23. Our Sail on Lake 
Galilee— 24. On to Damascus— 25. Across Mount Lebanon. 

It contains 320 pages in paper cover, and will be 
sent by’^ mail, postpaid, to any^ address on receipt of 25 
cents. Bound in Cloth, $1.50; Half Russia, $2.00. 
Agents wanted. Address all orders to 

J. S. OGILVIE, Publisher, 

57 Rose Street, New York. 


GASPAR DESMOND’S 


PASSION. N' 


BY 


PAULINE GEAYSON, 




AUTHOR OF “ KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT,” 
“PYRRHA,’^ “THE QUEEN OF CENTURIES,” 

ETO. 


(COPTRiaHT, 1891, BY J. S. Ogilvik.) 


The Peerless Series, No. 29, January, 1891. $3.00 per annum. Entered at Neir York Post OflSce 
as second-class matter. Copyright, 1890, by J. S. Ogilvie. 


NEW YORK: 

J. S. OGILVIE, Publisher, 
67 Rose Street. 




AUTHOR’S NOTE. 


Ckakfokd, N. J., Dec. 10, 1890. 

To J. S. Ogilvie, Publisher, 

Dear Sir : The narrative of strange events 
herein coDtained, which it has been deemed 
appropriate to entitle “ Gaspa/r Pesmondis 
Passion,^’’ is as nearly as possible a repro- 
duction of what was delivered to the author 
by the hero of its prologue. The circum- 
stance on which the denouement depends is 
of such an unusual character that it may be 
calculated to create in the mind of the reader 
a doubt as to the veracity of the entire story. 
As additional proof that complications of 
this nature may arise, the following news item, 
recently published in the New York Tribune, 


4 


author’s note. 


is subjoined, entitled ^^Her Husband her 
Half-brotber 

“ Albany, Nov. 1st (Special). — A case 
tbat seems incredible was brought to light 
in the courts yesterday. The complainant 
was Mrs. Julia Marcy, the wife of John 
Marcy. She said that she was born in New 
York; that her father died when she was 
young. Her mother remarried, the second 
husband being John Marcy, by whom she 
had one son, also John Marcy. He served in 
the army, and returning home, met Julia. 
After a year’s courtship they were married. 
A year later Julia met her mother whom she 
believed to be dead, and the parent, going to 
the daughter’s house, discovered that the 
husband was her son and Julia’s half- 
brother.” 


Gaspae Desmond’s Passion. 


CHAPTER I. 

He that ruleth his spirit is greater than he that 
taketh a city.” 

During the early part of last summer I 
had occasion to travel through the north eim 
portion of Kentucky^ ; and it was while on this 
trip that I encountered a singular adventure 
which I deem worthy of narration, especially 
as it explains the origin of the following re- 
markable story. 

Late in the afternoon of a day in June the 
approach of a storm impelled me to spur my 

horse, who had already gone some thirty 

5 


6 


GASPAR DESMOIirD’S PASSION". 


miles, with a view to seeking a place of shel- 
ter. Another five miles, yet no house in 
sight. It was rapidly growing dark, and the 
rain came down in torrents. Suddenly I 
came upon what seemed like a private drive- 
way, and hoping it might lead to some farm- 
house, I turned olf from the main ]*oad. 

In spots the trees met overhead, and the 
pathway was overgrown with shrubbery. 
Soon, however, I came upon a stone wall which 
I followed till I found an opening. As I 
turned into the gateway I was amazed, for 
the grounds resembled those of a park ; and 
the house — which the vivid flashes of light- 
ning showed a little to the right — was large 
and imposing. Even in the intermitting 
light I was impressed with its solemn grand- 
eur. The place had every indication of be- 
ing deserted. 

The blinds were closed, and all was as si- 
lent as the grave. Boldly I rode up to the 
Italian portico, and tied my horse to one of 


GASPAR DESMOND'S PASSION. 


7 


the granite pillars, after which I tried the 
door. Finding it resisted my efforts, I turned 
my attention to a window. I was surprised 
to hear a cough, and looking toward the door 
again, from whence the sound came, I was 
rather startled to see it standing slightly 
ajar. Stories of ghosts and haunted houses 
occurred to my mind, but I possessed strong 
nerves and an adventurous spirit, and pre- 
ferred a night with the supernatural to re- 
maining outside in the wind and rain. 

I felt in my pocket for my match-safe, and 
then deliberately pushed the heavy door wide 
open and entered. 

A moment I stood still, trying to accustom 
my eyes to the darkness. Presently from the 
left of the corridor came a faint light as heavy 
curtains were drawn noiselessly aside, which 
showed a room beyond, on the threshold of 
which stood a man. 

He appeared old ; so old that his slim form 
was bent forward, and his hair and long beard 


8 GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 

were white as snow. His sudden and singu- 
lar appearance impressed me as uncanny, and 
I concluded that I had indeed ventured into 
the abode of spirits. 

It is cold, cold !” he said in a weak, hol- 
low voice, and gliding swiftly behind me he 
pushed the door, which clicked as it closed. 
Recovering my self-command, I spoke. 

“ Pardon my intrusion, sir ; I believed this 
place uninhabited. I was seeking refuge 
from the storm.” 

He did not reply, but again raised the por- 
tiere and motioned me to enter the room. 

The apartment was long and somewhat 
narrow, completely walled on either side with 
shelves of books. At the further end was a 
large open fireplace, and a number of logs 
burned brightly on the hearth. I saw at a 
glance numerous articles which portrayed 
wealth and refinement. In the corners 
gleamed bronze and marble statuary, while 
the tightly-drawn curtains shone like satin. 


GASPAR DESMOKD’S PASSIOK. 


9 


and the carpet felt like moss. Near the fire 
stood a long table, on which I observed sev- 
eral rolls of manuscript, a silver ink-well, 
which stood open, and an ancient silver quill. 

Ah ! thought I, this is the den of some great 
author. I had read of their peculiar traits, 
how they are wont to seclude themselves, and 
remain in solitude until their work is ac- 
complished ; then they emerge from their 
hiding-place, and enter the outer circle of life, 
a trifle thinner, older, and perhaps — richer. 

I began to grow strangely interested in my 
adventure. My imaginary author advanced 
toward the Are, but he apparently forgot my 
presence, and while warming his hands he 
muttered incoherently. Feeling somewhat 
uncomfortable in my wet clothing, and hop- 
ing to attract his attention, I ventured near 
the hearth. 

My host bent upon me a sharp, inquiring 
glance. ‘^What do you want? Wherefore 
came you here ?” he asked. 


10 


GASPAR DESMOKD’s PASSION. 


I told him the details of my journey, and 
concluded by asking permission to remain for 
the night. Again he muttered something, 
and for a few moments seemed lost in 
thought, then abruptly he left the room. 

“ Queer old fellow,” I said half aloud ; and 
drawing a chair up to the fire, I proceeded to 
make myself comfortable. 

Very shortly he re-entered, accompanied by 
a man also old, but natural and healthy look- 
ing, whom he called Petterson.” 1 was con- 
ducted by the latter to another apartment, but 
before I left the library I heard the old man 
say: 

’Tis as I dreamed ; he comes from the 
living world.” 

His words puzzled me, and all the myste- 
rious surroundings excited my curiosity. I 
lost no time in questioning my guide, whom 
I found affable and scholarly. He called the 
mysterious person his charge, and I inquired 
the reason. 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


11 


Because lie was placed in my care,” was 
his reply. ^ 

“ I imagined him an author, but your words 
convey the impression that he may be de- 
mented.” 

Perhaps his malady would be described 
as mild insanity, but I, knowing what caused 
his peculiar appearance and eccentric man- 
ner, pronounce him perfectly rational.” 

“ He must be very old,” I ventured. 

“He is not yet forty years,” responded 
Petterson. 

“You are surely jesting,” I returned with 
a smile, “ for the man looks fully ninety.” 

“ I repeat in all candor that he is not forty. 
1 was here when he was born,” replied the 
man gravely. 

“ Then why is his hair so white ; his face 
so drawn and aged-looking; his eyes so 
sunken, and form so bent ?” 

“You are inquisitive, sir, but it may do no 
harm for you to know that it is the work of 


12 GASPAE DESMOI^d'S PASSION. 

retribution. The manuscript which you saw 
on his table tells the story of his indulgences, 
and the harvest of his unbridled passions. 
He has been expecting someone of intelli- 
gence to come here, to whom he intended re- 
vealing the history of his life. Whether you 
are that person I know not. That he is to 
be pitied you will not doubt ; for though he 
sinned, he has suffered. Ah, God ! how 
he has suffered ! To-day he knows neither 
love nor hate ; neither fear of death nor de- 
sire for life : he is dead to all emotion. That 
I, who loved him best, must see him so, silent 
as the tomb ; insensible to all but the past, is 
bitter indeed.” As he concluded, tears rolled 
down his cheeks, and he struggled to regain 
his composure. 

A supper of bread and milk was placed 
before me, which I ate in silence. This done, 
I followed Petterson out to look after my 
horse, which was stabled in a barn magnifi- 


GASPAK DESMOND'S PASSION. 


13 


cently equipped, where lie was provided with 
feed in plenty. 

I became more and more convinced that 
some dire calamity had suddenly befallen the 
place, and I was determined, if my host would 
not tell me, to learn by other means, if possi- 
ble, the nature of the mystery before I left. 

Keturning to the house, Petterson imme- 
diately conducted me to a spacious bedcham- 
ber which still retained an air of luxury. 
He lit a large silver lamp which stood on an 
onyx stand ; dusted the chairs, and remarked 
that it might be a trifle damp, since the room 
had been unoccupied so long ; but that it was 
his master’s special request that I should be 
assigned to that particular chamber. 

Has your master always lived here ?” I 
asked. 

“ Not always.” Then taking up his taper, 
he bid me good-night, and left me to muse 
over the situation. 

For some time I sat and listened to the 


14 GASPAK DESMOND’S PASSION. 

rain as it beat fiercely against the window- 
blinds, and tried to guess tbe nature of the 
misfortune which had wrought such gloom. 

I had hoped that the old man would send 
for me, but I soon became satisfied that I was 
not to hear from his lips the secret which 
Petterson had hinted at. Had he been mar- 
ried? Was he childless, a widower, or what? 
My curiosity was at fever-heat. I longed to 
investigate ; and why not ? 

Was this great house furnished through- 
out ? and might I not find in the various 
apartments some clue to the mystery? An 
uncontrollable desire to carry out this idea 
seized me, and urged me on against my bet- 
ter judgment. A wax taper stood on the 
mantel-shelf, which I hastily lit. Then, with- 
out stopping to reflect upon the propriety of 
my conduct, I advanced to the doorway that 
was also draped with rich curtains similar to 
those in the libraiy. I drew them aside and 
found that at the end of the narrow passage 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


15 


there was another portiere. I stepped softly 
across the threshold of my room and pro- 
ceeded to the apartment beyond. There was 
no door to bar me out ; so cautiously, yet fear- 
lessly, I entered what I saw at a glance was 
a lovely boudoir. 

The blue carpet was interwoven with 
wild roses ; the windows were daintily 
draped with blue and white silk; the bed- 
stead was exquisite in its frail carving 
wrought out of silver ; the trimmings were of 
lace delicate as cobweb ; the chairs were 
dainty, and oddly shaped. But what filled 
me with wonder was the general appearance 
of the room. It seemed as if its fair occu- 
pant had just stepped out, leaving all in con- 
fusion. Toilet articles were scattered over 
the dressing-table ; a jewel-casket stood open, 
with a fine gold chain half hanging out. 
Finger-rings and various other trinkets were 
intermingled wdth scraps of lace, silk, and 
faded roses. A hand-mirror lay on the floor. 


16 


GASPAR BESMON^D^S PASSIOK. 


broken ; a white robe, finished with a silver 
fringe, was lying half on the bed and trail- 
ing over the carpet ; a pair of long white 
gloves were thrown carelessly over the back 
of a chair, beneath which were a pair of small 
satin slippers with a slight rip across the toe 
of one of them. On a table near the bed lay 
a large bunch of withei*ed flowers tied with a 
long satin ribbon. A pearl fan, partially 
open, lay on the carpet with its fretwork 
broken, as if it had been stepped upon. On 
a blue satin couch was thrown a piece of 
tulle such as is used for bridal veils. Over 
the pale-colored cushions were scattered a 
few orange-blossoms which were dried and 
dead, and a dark stain was plainly visible on 
the sulphur-colored silk pillow, which still 
retained the impression of a head. The 
cause of this disorder baffled my power of 
penetration. Perplexed, but still more curi- 
ous, I advanced toward the next room. My 
fingers just touched the curtains, when a thin 


GASPAE DESmWd’S PASSION". 17 

claw-like hand seized my wrist and I was 
horrified to see before me the queer old man. 
I became painfully confused as lie asked : 

“What do you want? What right have 
you here 

“ None whatever, sir. My presumption is 
unpardonable, I know, and a poor return for 
your kindness; but I will be frank, and ad- 
mit that my curiosity was aroused beyond con- 
trol to know why you live here like a recluse. 
I am seeking the key to the mystery of your 
life.” 

“And have you found it?” he asked in a 
whisper that awed me and caused a chill to 
creep over me. 

“No,” I returned; “the whole thing is an 
enigma.” 

“ Listen to me,” he continued in his pe- 
culiar whisper ; “ you are the first who has 
crossed this threshold since she passed be- 
yond it. Aou are impatient to know who she 
was ; who I am ; why this great place with its 


18 


GASPAR DESMON'D S PASSION. 


thousands of acres lies in desolation; why 
these windows are barred, and the light of 
day shut out ; why the rare things of wealth 
are thus hidden, and slowly yielding to the 
decay that claims all things in this world of 
sin. Do you think this room, which once 
listened to her merry laugh and innocent 
babble, will re-echo her voice and tell you 
what has been ? Do you think her spirit will 
come back and revisit the place which is the 
sepulchre of her hopes and earthly dreams ? 
Ha, ha ! rash boy ! You need a lesson, and it 
would be charity for me to teach one. Would 
you heed it 

Conscious that I deserved censure, I said 
with humility : I shall be pleased to listen 
sir, and endeavor to profit by what you may 
be pleased to say.” 

“ Then learn to be master of yourself,” he 
returned solemnly ; learn to control every de- 
sire, to reason with every emotion. Let your 
conscience guide you, not your appetites ; 


GASPAR DESMON-d's PASSIO]^. 19 

thrust aside all carnal alf ections ; seek to over- 
come the weakness of the senses, and slay all 
passion that threatens to enslave thee. Look 
at me, and take warning. I am reaping the 
harvest of my evil sowing. I was led, con- 
trolled by my appetites. I fed and cultivated 
them until they predominated. Take heed, 
for you are in danger. You are young, hot, 
and restless. You come from the world which 
throbs with life; where hearts beat high 
with hungry longings ; where souls are 
seared by the fire of passion ; where the 
brain is overcharged with scheming and am- 
bition ; where the fight is long and hard; 
where lust abounds and avariciousness pre- 
vails. 

“ Ah, I know that the masses are beyond 
your power, but you have need to look to 
yourself, subdue your own spirit ; train it to 
obey the voice of your conscience. Yield not 
to caprice ; cherish not desire that hath in it 
the shadow of worldliness. 


20 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


“ Learn to do this, and you will ruin no 
lives, commit no iniquity, but live the life of 
the blessed, and be a stranger to remorse.” 

As his strange brilliant eyes looked searcb- 
ingly into mine, I fancied I saw in their 
sunken depths a gleam of anxiety ; but his 
tones were the same, and his features had not 
softened, or showed animation. 

“ Am I in danger of becoming a slave to 
my desires ?” I asked, holding my taper so 
that the light fell full upon my face. 

I need not read your countenance,” he re- 
turned, “for oft the face is but a mask, and 
belies the heart. I have the proof of your 
weakness in finding you here. Had you been 
master of yourself, you would not have 
yielded to a morbid curiosity to know of that 
which does not concern any but myself.” 

I acknowledged the truth of his words, and, 
with cheeks crimsoned with shame, I said : 

“ Sir, you have indeed taught me a lesson 
which I appreciate, and the justice of which 


GASPAR DESMOKG'S PASSIOIT. 21 

I recognize. I thank you most sincerely, and 
believe me I shall endeavor to follow your 
instructions. Pardon the impulse that 
brought me here, and pity the weakness that 
prompted the act.” I turned to leave him, 
but he bid me stay. 

If you are not weary, come with me, and 
I will place in your hands a recital of my ex- 
perience. It may save you and possibly 
others.” 

I will gladly go, sir, if you still deem me 
worthy of confidence,” was my eager reply. 

He turned without further comment, and I 
followed the weird creature, my taper light- 
ing the way and casting strange shadows on 
the wall. As we entered the main hall, 
which was wainscoted in sweet-scented cedar, 
and tiled in dark marble, he pointed to the 
broad stairway opposite, and said : 

That is the spot ! As I stand here, I can 
see the whole scene again ! I can hear the 
shrieks of the demons — the creation of my 


22 


GASPAE DESMOND’S PASSION. 


passions — that mocked and maddened me ; I 
can hear the fearful cry that rent the very 
heavens, from out of which there came a 
multitude of voices proclaiming me a mur- 
derer !” 

We reached the library. He took my taper, 
and pointed to a chair; then for some mo- 
ments he stood with his back toward me, ab- 
sorbed in watching the fire that crackled and 
snapped with fierce delight as it licked the 
chestnut logs. 

How like — we the wood, the fire our pas- 
sions !” he muttered half aloud. I did not re- 
ply, but was greatly impressed with the force 
of his illustration. 

I determined to train my own spirit, be- 
ginning by conquering my impatience and 
awaiting his pleasure. 

Suddenly my host approached the table, 
pressed a button, and from the drawer which 
sprang into view he drew forth a silver box ; 
placing it alongside the manuscript, he rolled 


GASPAK DESMOND’S PASSION. 23 

up his chair and bade me do likewise. Then 
bending over he scanned me closely. His 
gaze seemed to penetrate my very soul. 

You wonder why I am going to tell you 
my story — you, of whom I know absolutely 
nothing 

I nodded in reply. 

^‘Then understand that there are several 
reasons. First, it has been my intention to 
send my statement into the world for the 
benefit of mankind, for my story must dem- 
onstrate the unutterable evil resulting from 
unrestrained desires. Then, you have dis- 
played the first symptoms of the danger I 
speak of, and you are the first who has in- 
truded here since the tragedy — the first to 
have seen her abode wherein she moved as a 
spirit of heavenly beauty; and more still, 
there is something in the cast of your feat- 
ures which is strangely like hers. There, 
look for yourself : can you not see a resem- 
blance?” As he spoke, he took from the 


24 GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 

satin-lined silver case a panel of ivory on 
whicli was painted the portrait of a young 
woman. I was quite sure I saw a tremor 
pass over his wan face, that softened the ri- 
gidity of the mouth as he handed the picture 
to me ; and I — how shall I describe the emo- 
tion that arose within me as I looked upon 
that soulful countenance? Instantly I re- 
called the portrait of Nina Di Kaselli which 
I had seen at the capitol in Rome. As art- 
ists have labored to reproduce that Sibyl, as 
poets have sung praise to her beauty, so 
might they laud and rave could they behold, 
as I did, the exquisite loveliness of the face 
which smiled back at me from the painted 
ivory. 

After some moments, like one awakening 
from a dream, I said : 

How lovely ! Oh, how inexpressibly 
lovely !” 

Yes, yes,” whispered the old man; ‘^nor 
was her beauty merely physical. She pos- 


GASPAR DESMOI^D’S PASSION. 


25 


sessed a spirit almost sublime in its purity 
and faitb. Ah ! she was superb, yet she was 
human, and — a woman.” " 

“Was she your wife?” I ventured to ask. 
“You shall learn all; be patient.” He leaned 
forward, and taking up the manuscript, placed 
it in my hands. “ This,” he continued, “ is a 
complete record of my life. To you I be- 
queath it, on your solemn promise that you 
will do all in your power to carry out my in- 
structions, the details of which you will find 
in this package, together with a provision for 
sufiicient means to execute the same.” As 
he paused, my glance went back to the pic- 
ture, and the glorious eyes seemed to plead 
in his behalf. Though it was all so vague, 
so new, and sudden, I felt impelled to say : 

“ Sir, if it lies within my power to grant 
your request, I promise you most faithfully 
to execute it to the letter.” 

“ ’Tis well,” he replied simply. “ Take all 
to your chamber, yes — the picture is yours 


26 


GASPAR DESMOH'D’s PASSION. 


also. Go at once, and leave me alone with 
the memories of the unalterable past.” 

I held out my hand ; I longed to ask h m a 
few questions, but already he seemed lost in 
his reveries and unconscious of my presence. 

On reaching the corridor my taper became 
extinguished and I returned to relight it. As 
I entered he asked for my name, I placed my 
card on the table, and was about to speak, 
when he bade me “ Go ! go !” And thus I 
left him alone with the embers that were fast 
dying out. Again I thought of his strange 
simile. The wood was charred and black- 
ened, the lurid flames flickered fitfully. 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


27 


CHAPTER IL 

The night wore on, and morning dawned 
ere I finished the reading of the manuscript. 
True, I had often paused to look upon the 
lovely picture of her whose life had been so 
brief, so sadly blended with that of the 
lonely, desolate creature whom I had left sit- 
ting before the smouldering fire the night be- 
fore. More than once I murmured some 
word of pity as I read of the havoc which his 
unrestrained passions had wrought. 

The sun rose in golden splendor, revealing 
the devastation of the storm that had raged 
so fiercely the live-long night, and which had 
been a fit accompaniment to my reading of 
the tragic story. 

As I stood by the window musing thus. 


28 


GASPAK DESMOND’S PASSION. 


and looking over the vast estate with its fields 
of rich meadow-land, I was startled by a sud- 
den rap on my door, and Petterson requested 
me to hasten down to the library. 

Pausing only long enough to collect the 
scattered sheets of manuscript, I hurried 
down as directed. 

A great change had taken place. The 
windows were no longer barred, the blinds 
were thrown open, and a flood of sunlight 
floated into the room. 

^‘You are too late; it is all over,” said 
Petterson, with a sob, as I entered. 

^^What?” I gasped. 

“ Look.” He pointed to the tall back chair 
that still stood before the hearth. “ The spirit 
has at last broken from its clay tenement, 
and may God be merciful, and give it rest !” 

The quiet grief of the faithful friend and 
servant touched me deeply. I went close to 
the chair wherein still sat the crippled, wasted 
form. I looked long and earnestly at the 


GASPAR DESMOND'S PASSION. 29 

blanched face; at the wide-open eyes that 
were staring glassily at the ashes, on which a 
sunbeam danced. The fingers were tightly 
clenched, still holding the silver quill ; at his 
feet lay a document on which the ink had 
not yet dried. 

As I thought of all he had endured ; of his 
loss, his isolation, and the final lonely ending, 
I could hardly control the emotion that arose 
in my heart and filled my eyes with tears. 

When did it occur ?” I asked Petterson. 

“ But a moment before you came in. He was 
dying when I called for you. As^usual I had 
brought in his breakfast of milk and fruit, 
and found him sitting as you see him, busily 
writing. 

“ ^ I am glad you have come,’ he said, ^ for 
I want you to witness this codicil.’ I did 
as requested, and handed back the quill. 
‘Now open the blinds, Petterson, that I 
may look upon the world once more.’ I 
quickly obeyed, and as the balmy air filled 


30 GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 

the room, I heard a long-drawn, weary sigh. 
I hurried to his side, to find that he was dy- 
ing. His spirit took wings even as I hastened 
to call you, sir, for when I returned he was 
— dead.” As he ceased speaking, he buried 
his face in his palms, and for some time the 
room echoed with his sobbing. 

I remained at the mansion until after the 
frail clay was laid in earth’s arms ; then, to- 
gether with Petterson, I left the scene of so 
much tragedy and returned to my home in 
the East. 

It was found that in a codicil the deceased 
had bequeathed to me a modest fortune, and 
his endowment to his old friend and servant, 
who had loved him so faithfully, was most 
lavish. It was provided that the estate 
should be sold, and, as there were no heirs, 
the remainder of the proceeds w^as to be 
given in aid of the poor of his native state. 

I now lay before you who have read the 
story of my brief adventure, the manuscript 


GASPAR DESMOKD’S PASSIOK. 31 

consigned to my keeping. It is presented 
without change. That the lesson contained 
therein might prove a warning to the way- 
ward, and an admonition to the skeptical, I 
know was the last earthly hope of its un- 
happy author. 


32 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


CHAPTER III. 

MANUSCRIPT OF GASPAR DESMOND. 

Thirty-nine years ago, I, Caspar Desmond, 
first saw tlie light of this world. From the 
beginning I seemed destined to be the cause 
of much sorrow and misfortune. 

My mother survived my birth but a few 
hours ; with her last breath she consigned me 
to the care of the wife of our faithful servant, 
Petterson by name, adjuring her to train me 
up to be worthy of the father whose name I 
bore. While I believe that the woman en- 
deavored faithfully to fulfil the promise she 
made my dying mother, I still hold her mor- 
ally responsible for much of the evil attend- 


GASPAR DESMOND^S PASSIOiT. 


33 


ant upon my unfortunate life. From my in- 
fancy slie imbued my mind with her irrelig- 
ious and atheistical views. My father was 
absent much of the time, actively engaged in 
the service of his country — being a colonel in 
the regular army ; therefore there was no one 
to oppose or interfere with Mrs. Petterson’s 
teachings. So long as my mental and physi- 
cal training were complete and thorough 
there appeared no cause for dissatisfaction. 
That my soul was neglected, allowed to shrink 
and shrivel; that my moral naturewas stunted, 
and diseased by infidelity, was not observed 
until too late. I grew up an unbeliever in 
all that was good, an infidel with scarce one 
redeeming trait; harsh, wayward, domineer- 
ing, and abusive even to those who really 
loved me. The sudden death of this foster- 
mother, for whom I had formed a singular 
attachment, alfected me strangely. I in- 
dulged in paroxysms of moody silence which 


34 


GASPAE DESMOND^S PASSION. 


lasted for days, from which condition nothing 
could arouse me. 

I was rarely- known to smile, or to speak 
kindly; my morbid temper made me both 
uncongenial and unhappy. 

I quarrelled with the Fate that brought 
me into existence, and rebelled at being de- 
prived of the only being whom I loved. I 
nursed dark thoughts, I was irascible and ex- 
aspei’ated at the conditions of my mentality 
which made me unable to penetrate into the 
mysteries of life. 

I wrestled with problems which the wisest 
have failed to solve. I read eagerly, not the 
Bible, for Mrs. Petterson had taught me to 
regard it as a book of contradictions and 
mythology, but rather the works of infidels 
and pessimists. The result was appalling. 

When at last my father awoke to a full 
understanding of the moral condition of his 
son, he was well-nigh broken-hearted. He 
reproached himself bitterly for his neglect, 


GASPAR DESMOKD’s PASSIOH. 35 

for allowing me to grow like a tkistle on the 
roadside, instead of being cultivated by a fa- 
ther’s hand in the garden of his love. 

It had been his cherished hope that I 
would follow in the footsteps of his father 
and become a minister of the Gospel ; and 
trusting that I might still change my views, 
he arranged to send me to the parsonage to 
engage in the study of theology. At first I 
refused to obey, but the idea finally occurred 
to me that I might glean there the knowledge 
which would aid me in finding a solution of 
the questions that vexed and tormented me ; 
therefore I consented, and entered with alac- 
rity upon my new studies. 

After two years of faithful application, and 
seeing no hope of discovering the knowledge 
which I sought, I abandoned the undertaking 
and returned home a confirmed atheist. 

My father often attempted to reason with 
me on the subject, proving in many ways the 
existence of a Creator, with the only result 


36 GASPAK DESMOND’S PASSION. 

that I met him with derision and hugged the 
closer my skeptical ideas. 

“ Ah, father, I pity you and all who, like 
you, are being imposed upon, deluded with a 
faith in an imaginary God.” I remember 
saying, as he pleaded with me : What proof 
hav^e you of this Divine Ruler ? Why does 
He not appear in some tangible form ? Why 
does there exist so much evil, why such un- 
equal division, — the rich have so much, the 
poor so little, — if He is all-powerful ? You 
talk to me of the New Testament, which is 
but the vaporings of ancient scribes. Bah ! 
am I a fool to be hoodwinked by a blind be- 
lief in that which does not exist ? I tell you, 
father, immortality is a myth. We are merely 
the result of Nature, and if we do not outrage 
her laws we ripen like the grain and return 
to the earth, and that is the end.” 

O Gaspar ! my son, my son !” cried 
my father, reproachfully. 

“ Heaven,” I continued, “ is the result of for- 
tunate circumstances, and for him who can 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


37 


enjoy the good things of life. Hell is for him 
who must work, slave, and suffer ungratified 
desires, who must bear the burdens of others, 
dwell in darkness, and suffer deprivation. 

“ Wherefore should the innocent be born 
the victims of these circumstances, to all the 
evils of poverty, if there is a just God?” 

The creature should not question the wis- 
dom of the Creator. He has ordained that chil- 
dren must suffer for the sins of their parents,” 
answered my father in agitation. 

“ According to that theory the parents of 
the poor and needy should be all sinners, 
those of the rich all saints,” I replied. “ What 
contradictions ! It can be demonstrated that 
the rich who have lived in sin and iniquity 
have enjoyed the most happiness, lived the 
^ longest, and that their amply endowed off- 
spring have known the least of suffering, or 
any of the ills of life.” 

All my father’s arguments to the contrary 
did not convince me, and he usually left me 
in despair. 


38 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


CHAPTER IV. 

Youth and wealtli — for my motlier had 
left me a fortune — and social position were at 
my command, together with the proud in- 
heritance of a justly honored name ; but all 
these were destined to be bartered for self- 
gratification and the indulgence of passions. 

When a man has neither faith in God nor 
power of will, he is like a ship without a 
rudder which inevitably plunges headlong to 
destruction. The Rev. Dr. Bentley, my 
father’s devoted friend, removed to the par- 
sonage, — its former rector, my ex- tutor, having 
died, — and I unfortunately conceived an in- 
tense passion of love for his only child, Re- 
gina, a beautiful girl about eighteen years of 
age, being a few months younger than myself. 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 39 

When I proposed for her hand in marriage, 
I was refused by the clergyman on the 
grounds of my profligate life and my utter 
disbelief in all holy things. Though my 
father pleaded in my behalf, thinking that 
marriage with a good woman might be the 
means of saving me, the reverend gentleman 
was obdurate ; neither my pleadings nor my 
father’s friendship could influence him to con- 
sent to what he deemed an unholy marriage. 
After that interview I was forbidden to call 
on his daughter. Maddened that I should 
be thus denied the object of my affections, 
tortured day and night with the thought that 
I should see Eegina no more, for whose pres- 
ence 1 yearned with a longing I had never 
known before, I employed dishonorable means 
to influence the girl to receive me during her 
father’s absence from home. I impressed her 
with the belief that I desired to become good, 
that her love alone could make me so ; and 
she, in the kindness of her heart, believing 


40 GASPAR DESMOND^S PASSION. 

me misguided and wronged, yielded to my 
entreaties, trusting tliat site could change my 
sordid nature, and that when her father found 
me exemplary in habit and thoroughly re- 
formed, he would forgive her deception and 
receive us both with warm affection. 

Our stolen interviews caused her much 
alarm, while I was not burdened by conscien- 
tious scruples, and thought only of the satis- 
faction I was enjoying and the irresistible 
passion of my love. For six months we had 
succeeded in disguising our clandestine rela- 
tions from our parents, but I fancied that they 
were not without their suspicion. One even- 
ing about this time, knowing that her father 
was attending at the bedside of a dying par- 
ishioner, I sprang upon my horse, and with a 
bounding, longing heart rode to the parson- 
age. Filled with wild fancies of the undis- 
turbed bliss I was to enjoy in the society of 
my beautiful Regina, I dashed along, saying 
again and again that no formal marriage 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 41 

could make our union more complete nor my 
joy greater. She met me at tke gate. I saw 
her white-robed figure in the dim light of the 
summer evening long before I reached the 
parsonage. Passionately I kissed her delicate 
face, and in my intensity of feeling took her 
in my arms and carried her into the house. 

The memoiy of those moments, as we sat 
before the open window talking of the day 
when her father could no longer oppose a bar- 
rier to our marriage, lived with me until my 
heart was dead. 

It was near midnight. How quickly sped 
the time ! The moon had risen and flooded 
the room with a soft, ghostly light. Kegina’s 
head was resting on my breast, her shapely 
white arm entwined my neck, and thus we 
were all unmindful of the world without, 
when from our dream of felicity we were 
rudely awakened by the voice of Kegina’s 
father. 

Shall I ever forget the anger, the anguish. 




GASPAR DESMOKD’S PASSIOK. 


the horror his face expressed, on finding me 
there ? So wrought was he wifh the discovery 
of his child’s perfidy and my treachery, that 
he forgot his holy calling ; forgot that he was 
an agent of God ; forgot pity, love, and dis- 
cretion. He stood before us a man only, in 
all his great wrath, and conscious only of his 
injury. His anger, which had not been 
aroused for years, which had been almost ob- 
literated by his spiritual life, his compassion, 
and love of justice and mercy, now broke 
forth like a tempest. At first I was over- 
whelmed with fear, and thought of flight; but 
for Regina’s sake I must remain. I supplicated 
humbly, confessing my faults. I pleaded 
in extenuation that I loved his child to dis- 
traction, that I would gladly marry her and 
repair all wrong. 

Marry !” he exclaimed, hoarse with pas- 
sion, his frame shaking with the rage that he 
could not control. “Never! Think you I 
would warm a viper ? Have you not crept in 


GASPAK DESMOND'S PASSION. 43 

here like a thief to rob me, to destroy her, to 
break my heart and dishonor my name ? Go 
from my sight, and may God’s judgment 
follow you !” 

‘‘ O father, father, recall those words ! Do 
not send him forth with your curse ; remem- 
ber I love him — he is dearer to me than my 
life; remember I am equally to blame; re- 
member your holy calling, and be merciful to 
us ! He will atone for the years spent in un- 
righteousness and unbelief, and for the wrong 
he has done you ; he will be your son. Forgive 
ray deceit — our crime, if you will have it so. 
Love has led us on, and love shall redeem 
him. See, father, I kneel before you. I im- 
plore you in the name of my mother to relent, 
forgive, and unite us, for the sake of my — 
honor !” 

“ Honor !” he exclaimed, in a voice in which 
surprise, despair, and rage were blended. 
“ Has it gone so far ? The honor of my child 
must be saved by a union with a worthless 


44 GASPAE DESMOND’S PASSION. 

character, an atheist, a scoffer, a man who is 
entirely devoid of principle ? And you dare 
kneel before me and tell me this — dare brook 
my anger and claim forgiveness ? Away ! 
out of my sight ere I curse thee too !” 

Mercy, father, mercy !” she cried fran- 
tically; and rising, she threw her arms around 
his neck, and sobbed hysterically as he en- 
deavored to release himself. It was a fearful 
moment. Surely he would relent ; a man who 
had taught Christianity, who had set himself 
up as an exampler of God’s divine law, would 
conquer his anger and master the demon that 
possessed him. But lo ! the spirit of good- 
ness was completely submerged in a mighty 
flood of passion. 

“ Father !” she wailed, in her agony of de- 
spair. 

Away ! You are unclean ! Go forth, you 
are no child of mine ! Go to the wretch you 
have chosen !” 

He unclasped her clinging arms and threw 


GASPAR DESMOND'S PASSION. 45 

her to the floor with great violence. The 
emotion which I was striving to control 
burst its bonds. Maddened at the outrageous 
actions of one who held himself so far above 
me, I forgot every other consideration but the 
insult he offered me and the w^oman I loved. 
In my hot passion I seized my riding- whip, 
and ere I was fully aware of what I was do- 
ing, struck the clergyman a crushing blow 
with the ivory handle. A terrific scream 
from the lips I had so lately pressed, a deep 
groan from those yet laden with vindictive 
epithets, rent the air. My anger melted with 
the fall of the heavy body. In a moment I 
was on my knees beside the prostrate form, 
wringing my hands in dismay as I saw a 
dark stream trickle over the pale, quiet fea- 
tures. I seized his hand : it was limp and 
nerveless. I staggered to my feet in horror. 
Eegina cast on me a look of terror and re- 
proach. “ What have I done ?” I gasped, as 
she shook her father wildly, calling upon him 


46 


GASPAR DESMOI^D’s PASSION. 


to speak ; but tke lips were set and silent. 
She rose, stood before me, her face whiter 
than the robe she wore. Shall I ever forget 
the calmness of her voice as she said : 

He was right — you were beyond redemp- 
tion, bad to the core. Go from me ! The brand 
of Cain is upon you, you have murdered my 
father !” 

“No, no! not murdered! O God, help 
me !” 

“ You call upon God too late. Gaspar Des- 
mond, you were mad to strike him, the just, 
the honorable. Mad, mad ! and I shall go 
mad also. Dead, dead ! by the hand I loved 
and caressed. This is God’s judgment : how 
swiftly it has fallen !” She wrung her hands, 
but her eyes were tearless. 

“ Eegina, it is not wilful murder, I did not 
mean to injure him. Oh, cast me not from 
you : come with me away, away to the remotest 
part of the earth ; let us live for each other, 
and forget what has been.” I attempted to 


GASPAR DESMOH-D^S PASSION-. 47 

draw her to my breast, but she waved me off 
with abhorrence. 

“Forget?” she echoed — “forget, and live 
with a murderer ?” 

“ You never loved me,” I cried savagely, 
“ or you would not desert me in an hour like 
this.” 

“ I gave you proof of my love, Gaspar Des- 
mond, when I was false to my father, to my- 
self. I give you renewed proof of it when I 
bid you depart from here and escape the mer- 
ited punishment of your crime. Go ! fly be- 
yond the seas, any place where Justice cannot 
find you, where you may have time and op- 
portunity for repentance and atonement.” 

“You must come with me, Kegina.” 

“ Hush ! How dare you ask me to share 
such a fate ?— to forsake my poor dead father. 
Hark! what sound was that? O Gaspar, 
is justice already on your track ? Go, go ! 
to tarry is fatal ; leave me, leave me 1” 

She pushed me toward the door, and de- 


48 GASPAK DESMOISTD^S PASSIOK.^ 

dared that she hated me more fiercely than 
she had ever loved me ; that the sight of my 
face filled her with horror. 

^‘Then you shall never see it again,” I 
cried bitterly, as 1 dashed out of the room. 
I heard her laugh a wild sobbing laugh, and 
looking in at the window, I saw her caressing 
the pulseless head of the stricken man. I 
realized then the full import of my mad act. 
Springing into my saddle, I dealt my horse a 
cruel blow with the fatal whip, and sped 
homeward. On reaching my room I tried to 
think calmly, but my brain was dazed and 
bewildered. I exclaimed again and again in a 
whisper of terror : “ I have killed him ! I 
have killed him !” I did not dare to seek 
my father, fearing he would surrender me to 
justice. What was to be done ? I must act 
quickly, yet my thinking faculties were nearly 
paralyzed. I drank several glasses of wine, 
I bathed my head in ice- water, and walked 
the floor in agitation. In flight, she said, was 


GASPAK DESMOND^S PASSION. 


49 


my only hope. Where should I go? how 
leave her, whom I had so loved ? 

Half an hour later I had collected all my 
valuables, and some of my father’s jewels, to- 
gether with a large sum of money which I 
fastened in my belt. Then writing a hasty 
note to my father, wherein I bade him farewell, 
I crept silently from the home of my child- 
hood, a home of luxury and affluence, to wan- 
der forth an outcast, bearing hence the mem- 
ory of that sobbing laugh, and a burden of 
sin and shame. 


50 


GASPAB DESMOND^S PASSIOK. 


CHAPTER V. 

Foe several days I wandered aimlessly, 
scarce knowing or caring where I went. I 
reproached myself for having crept like a 
coward from my home, for having left Regina 
alone to bear her great sorrow. I was not cer- 
tain that my blow had proved fatal : why 
wander forth, perhaps , guiltless ? Why not 
return and learn the truth? 

I would retrace my steps. I would be sure 
of my crime, and if the worst had happened, 
again plead with Regina to fly with me. I 
had gone over a hutidred miles from home : I 
would return by railway. My anxiety and im- 
patience to learn the truth overcame my fears : 
I took a train in the early evening, which 
would arrive at my destination before dawn ; 


GASt>AR DESMOITD^S PASSIOK. 51 

thus I would have darkness to protect me as 
I returned to the parsonage to investigate. 
Settling myself comfortably in a corner seat, 
with my hat drawn well over my eyes, I gave 
myself up to meditation. 

Again I rode up the familiar lane to my 
father’s house. My heart was light and free. 
I called aloud as I saw my parent walking 
restlessly on the portico. As he heard my 
voice he paused, a scowl darkened his face, 
and then, as if possessed with sudden fear, he 
hastily entered the house, barring the door 
after him. I stood amazed, marvelling at his 
strange proceedings, when Petterson came 
forth, with an air of sadness, and dressed in 
sombre apjDarel. While tears rolled down 
his cheeks, he bade me leave the place, and 
pointing to the parsonage, said, Go, there 
you are wanted.” 

“ Ah, Eegina it is who calls for me,” I said 
gayly, and turning my horse I rode rapidly 
toward Kev. Bentley’s cottage. I was per- 


52 


CASPAR DESMOND^S PASSION. 


plexed at the change in the place : the garden 
had lost its freshness — the flowers were 
blighted as if a heavy frost had fallen on 
them. The day lilies that bordered the grav- 
elled walk hung their heads and shivered as 
I entered the little gate. I was horrified to 
hear loud hissing and to see reptiles dart 
from under the withered blossoms. I called 
aloud for my love Kegina, but when she ap- 
peared it was in the midst of many people 
who tried to keep her from me and reason 
with her, but she seemed insensible to their 
efforts. She only wrung her hands and cried 
out mournfully : 

“ Gaspar, why, why did you come back ? 
Nothing can save you now ; we shall perish 
together.” Then she fell to weeping, and I 
was seized by a hundred hands, and amidst 
shouts of mingled derision and vengeance I 
was borne away. The tumult was fearful, 
the mob wild and savage. On to the court- 
yard they dragged me, and there loomed up 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 53 

the grim scaffold. I realized it all. I uttered 
one cry, and all was chaos. 

I opened my eyes. A man brushed quickly 
by me, passed through the door, and the con- 
ductor shouted, All aboard !” I had been 
asleep and dreaming. 

I wondered at the hour. Looking for my 
watch, I was startled to find it gone, and soon 
discovered that I had been robbed. My first 
impulse was to notify the conductor; but 
recollecting that my name was engraved on the 
case, I wisely said nothing, but suffered my 
loss. My dream disturbed me so much that 
I concluded to get off at the first stopping- 
place, and leave the States. Forty minutes 
later I purchased a ticket for Canada, and 
two days after arriving there took passage 
on a steamer bound for England. 

I lived in untold terror until we were fairly 
out at sea. Each passenger’s face I scanned, 
their movements I watched with suspicion. 
A footstep startled me, a prolonged glance 


54 GASPAR DESMOND'S PASSION. 

filled my heart with cold fear. During the 
first few days I remained mostly in my state- 
room, but the silent gloom became unendur- 
able ; besides, seclusion might excite comment. 
My nights were passed in tossing restlessly, 
my fitful slumber being made hideous with 
torturing dreams. I sought the deck, and 
passed hours in some quiet corner, either 
sketching with my pencil or watching the 
sea-gulls as they darted amid the crested bil- 
lows. 

I shrank from the passengers, but there 
were two ladies, one old, the other young, 
who persisted in paying me attention, who 
offered me a journal, a book, and sometimes 
delicacies, who, despite my indifferent man- 
ner, intruded themselves upon me. What- 
ever alarm I had felt regarding these friendly 
women was soon dispersed. I learned that 
they were aunt and niece, a Mrs. Ormn and 
a Miss Valmar, who had come from England 
for a sea- voyage in order to benefit the young 


V 

GASPAK DESMOND’S PASSION. 55 

lady’s health. I Marned that the aunt was 
wealthy, but that their eccentricities barred 
them out of the best society, and that they 
lived alone and retired. 

On the fourth day out I was taken ill with 
a mild attack of pneumonia. The ship’s sur- 
geon did what he could, but I suffered so 
much mentally that when left alone I was 
crazed with fear. The ladies missed me, and 
on being informed of my illness they offered 
their services and did much to ‘comfort me 
and hasten my convalescence. The intimacy 
thus begun continued during the remainder 
of the voyage, and it soon became evident 
that Miss Valmar entertained an interest for 
me far deeper than that of mere friendship ; 
indeed a mutual regard grew to such an extent 
that when we reached London I was cor- 
dially urged to make the house of Mrs. Ormn 
my home. 

I had given my name as Gaspar St. John, 
an orphan and without relatives. I told a 


56 


GASPAK DESMOND’S PASSION. 


plausible story which they entirely believed. 
I claimed that I had been left a little money 
by my mother, but that I lost it by injudicious 
speculation and was crossing the seas mainly 
for the restoration of my health. This state- 
ment won for me the warm sympathies of the 
aunt, who declared me worthy of a better 
fate. 

Mrs. Ormn had a beautiful home at Ches- 
ter, and I was treated as their favorite guest. 
I had not been suspected or spied upon, and 
my fear of capture diminished and finally 
disappeared. True, I thought often of Re- 
gina, but I was seized with a new infatuation 
for the vivacious but eccentric Eva Valmar. 
I realized that it was unsafe for me to return 
to Kentucky ; that Regina was forever lost 
to me ; that I must either marry a woman 
with money or live a life of deprivation and 
loneliness. Of course I preferred the former, 
and recognized my good fortune when Miss 
Valmar betrayed her sentiments in looks and 


GASPAR DESMOI^D’s PASSION. 57 

manners which plainly told me I had only to 
propose ; nclv was I tardy in doing so, for my 
money was fast disappearing, and I should 
be unable to obtain more. 

That Mrs. Ormn was peculiar, and wont to 
interest herself in the criminal class of unfor- 
tunates, often sending them tracts and 
flowers, that her sympathies often extended 
to people outside of the pale of respectability, 
did not disturb or offend my not over-fastid- 
ious sensibilities. She was wealthy and 
obliging, and her niece was willing to marry 
me. That was sufficient, and in six weeks 
from the night I last looked upon Kegina’s 
terror-stricken face I was a legitimate hus- 
band, though married under my assumed 
name St. John. 

To Mrs. Ormn’s purse I had free access, 
and Eva proved a faithful and affectionate 
wife, never finding fault when I remained 
out long after club hours, or when I lost 
heavily at the races. 


58 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


In less than a year we had a child, a hand- 
some little fellow, with eyes and features like 
those of his mother. 

Often my mind went back to the old Ken- 
tucky home, and I wondered if my father 
still lived ; or if he were dead, who would 
inherit my rightful fortune. I often longed 
to go back to claim my rights, but life was 
far too sweet to be risked while I had ample 
means to gratify every extravagant fancy, to 
live in ease and luxury. Perhaps when I 
should have squandered all Mrs. Ormu’s 
money I might care to venture into the jaws 
of death. 


GASPAR Desmond’s passion. 


59 


CHAPTER VI. 

Twelve years I lived thus in reckless dis- 
sipation — twelve years away from my native 
soil, my home, and Regina, the only woman 
I ever loved, my infatuation for Eva having 
died soon after our marriage; twelve years 
of unholy and unlawful life, indulging in un- 
righteous pleasures, leaving my path strewed 
with the victims of my untrammelled pas- 
sions. 

Where was God, that He permitted this 
reign of wickedness ? Why had I not been 
stricken down in the acme of my iniquity ? 

On the twelfth birthday of our boy the 
shadow of the vengeance of Him whom I had 
so outraged and insulted began to fall about 


me. 


60 


GASPAE desmoid’s PASSION. 


It had been Mrs. Ormn’s and Eva’s custom 
to tender the child a party each year in honor 
of the event. On the present occasion many 
of the boy’s classmates were invited, together 
with one of the college professors, of whom 
the boy was very fond. The moment I saw 
the former I became uneasy: I had met him 
before, but where and when I was unable to 
remember. 

During the evening he approached me, and 
after a few ordinary remarks asked abruptly : 

Are you in any way related to a family 
named Desmonds, living in America ?” 

Not that I am aware of,” I replied, with 
assumed composure, though I grew restless 
beneath his gaze. 

“ It is strange,” he continued, how much 
you remind me of a young man I met while 
I was visiting my friend the Eev. Dr. Bentley, 
who resided near the estate of a Colonel Des- 
mond, in the northern part of Kentucky. 
The young man I have reference to was the 


GASPAR DESMOND'S PASSION. 61 

son of the colonel. He was a handsome 
fellow, but wayward and an atheist.” 

I felt myself grow pale, and my hand that 
held a glass of ice trembled so I was obliged 
to set the dish on the table. 

I do not feel particularly flattered by 
your description of my counterpart. Did 
you know him well ?” I asked indifferently ; 
but it required all my strength to command 
my composure, for I remembered him as soon 
as he mentioned the name Bentley. He had 
crossed the seas to claim the hand of Regina, 
her father having promised it to the young 
English gentleman who had studied theology 
with him when the clergyman had resided in 
London. I recalled it all, how Regina cried, 
and shut herself up in her room during the 
young man’s visit, which was a brief one, and 
a sad one, no doubt, for both the clergyman 
and the foreigner. It was immediately upon 
his departure that I had proposed to the 


62 


GASPAK DESMOND^S PASSIOIT. 


reverend father for the hand of his daughter, 
and was refused. 

You will pardon me, Mr. St. John,” con- 
tinued the professor. I did not mean to 
offend you. No, I did not know him well ; I 
saw him but once, but I had reasons for not 
forgetting him.” 

“ Indeed !” I said calmly. Did he injure 
you ?” 

Yes, he was my rival.” 

“ Oh, I begin to comprehend the situation ; 
of course he married the young lady ?” 

My words produced a bad effect on the 
professor, for he clenched his hands and 
ground his teeth. 

If he had, I should have no right to hate 
him.” 

^‘You arouse my curiosity. Did he not 
love the young lady ?” I asked, with well- 
feigned surprise. 

As long as I have mentioned the subject, 
Mr. St. John, I will tell you the facts briefly. 


CASPAR DRSMOND^S PASSION. 63 

Having been absolutely refused by Hegiua 
Bentley^ whom I loved better tban my own 
life, I left her house, and with an aching 
heart wandered for some months throughout 
the United States ; then 1 returned to the par- 
sonage with the intention of bidding Dr. 
Bentley farewell before returning to my 
home. What was my horror and grief, you 
can imagine, when I tell you that I found the 
worthy man lying at the point of death, hav- 
ing been struck a fearful blow by young 
Desmond, Begina’s lover, whom the clergy- 
man had ordered out of the house.” 

“What — became of the — the assailant?” 
I gasped, faint and sick with fear. 

“ He was killed, they claimed.” 

“ Killed ?” I echoed eagerly. 

“Yes; he was run over while jumping 
from a moving train. His remains were 
identified by his watch and a few other valu- 
able jewels which he had carried off with 


64 


GASPAR Desmond’s passion. 


him, having fled immediately after his crim- 
inal assault.” 

“And the clergyman and his daughter — 
what became of them I asked, with an at- 
tempt at calmness, though my voice sounded 
a long distance off, and I felt that my heart 
would burst. I understood why I had not 
been hounded by the laWy why 1 had lived 
in peace these many years. The thief who 
had stolen my jewels did me a wonderful ser- 
vice ; his horrible death alone saved me from 
the gallows. 

“The poor old man,” said the professor, 
“ lingered for some months, then died ; the 
daughter, crazed by grief, was given a home 
and father’s protection by Colonel Desmond. 
I renewed my suit, but she said that her heart 
was buried in the grave of her unfortunate 
lover, and that the greatest favor I could 
confer upon her was to leave her in peace. I 
saw no hope, and left the United States im- 
mediately.” 


GASPAR Desmond’s passion. 65 

As he concluded, Eva came forward and 
claimed him as her partner for a waltz, thus 
saving me the necessity of a reply. For 
some moments I sat like one stunned, then 
crept unobserved from my corner, and left the 
drawing-room . Reaching my own apartment, 
I locked the door ; my knees knocked each 
other, and I was pale with fright. 

What had T heard ? After thirteen years 
to hear the details of my own crime, to hear 
that Regina mourned me as dead, that she 
was faithful even to a murderer’s memory 
caused my blood to leap madly, my pulse to 
beat high, my brain to whirl. 

How I longed to go back to her, to see her 
once more, to hear her voice ! I groaned as I 
thought of the barriers that stood between 
us. 

Soon the music ceased and the guests de- 
parted ; then Eva came to me in some agita- 
tion and. informed me that the professor had 
questioned her closely as to my family con- 


66 GASPAR DESMOKD’S PASSION. 

nection, and that when she told him of the 
manner in which she had met me he seemed 
greatly excited and asked if I had ever men- 
tioned the name of Desmond. 

It was clear to me that he suspected my 
identity, that he would make a thorough in- 
vestigation, and do his uttermost to learn my 
early history; and if he should learn the 
truth I was confident he would show me no 
mercy. I was distracted. 

The next morning Mrs. Orinn declared 
that she would supply me with no more 
funds, and in consequence a quarrel ensued. 
She asserted that I had ruined her financially 
and henceforth I must work for my family’s 
support. Work? I shuddered at the sound 
of it ; besides, why should I slave, was I not 
an heir to a fortune ? But how to obtain it — 
how go back, and yet avoid the law ? 

Finally I concluded to throw myself on 
my father’s mercy. If he were still alive he 
would shield me, for he had always been 


GASPAE DESMOI^d’s PASSIOIf. 67 

kind and indulgent; lie would furnish me 
sufficient means, and protect me againt pov- 
erty. Yes, I would go back, confess all to 
him, and the joy at finding me alive would 
overcome his former prejudice. He would 
forget my guilt, and help me. 

To Eva I confided my plan of returning to 
Canada, where I would leave her a few days 
while I went in search of an old friend who 
resided in the United States and who would 
aid me financially. She objected to what she 
declared to be a wild-goose chase,” but find- 
ing me determined she obtained from her aunt 
sufficient means for the trip. Placing our 
boy in charge of the latter, we crossed over 
to France and from there took passage on a 
steamer for Canada. 


68 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


CHAPTEE VIL 

The voyage was unpleasant from the start ; 
the sea ran high and the weather was omin- 
ous. 

Among the passengers were several Amer- 
ican gentlemen and an English-speaking 
priest. Frequently these people gathered in 
a group on the deck, engaging in animated 
discussions. On one occasion I stood within 
hearing distance and listened with much in- 
terest to a conversation which took place 
after the priest had withdrawn to the cabin. 

“Father McLonquin is evidently sincere,” 
said one of the gentlemen. 

“ Why ? That he has a good face is no cri- 
{erion,” replied another called Wilkins. 

“ No, not because of his benevolent coun- 


GASPAK DESMOND’S PASSION. 69 

tenance alone, but I like bis teachings. I 
have heard much regarding his great sac- 
rifices ; his unremitting toil, his faith, and hi^ 
devotion to his people. When I was in Can- 
ada a year ago I chanced to meet another 
priest from the provinces who knew Father 
McLonquin very well. He told of the great 
good the latter had done in abolishing the 
barbarous custom of selling the privilege of 
eating meat on Fridays.” 

Selling the privilege ?” repeated Wilkins. 

Yes ; the custom has prevailed for years 
in some parts of the Provinces. A man rides 
through the streets ringing a bell, which is an 
announcement that those desiring to partake 
of meat on that day must pay a fee in order 
to receive the priest’s indulgence. McLon- 
quin claims that it is all wrong, all a money- 
extorting scheme which only tends to make 
the poor still poorer, while the clergy live in 
luxury. He also regards a vacation from ec- 
clesiastical duties a sin. He declares that 


70 


GASPAE DESMOND’S PASSION. 


the pastors of to-day commit a serious error 
in abandoning their flocks to go away for re- 
creation, since many of the people are unable 
to do likewise, and that such a course pro- 
duces envy and discontent. McLonquin 
avers that the evil done while the pastor is 
junketing about the country — frequently in 
company with the more wealthy of his church- 
members and seeking newspaper notoriety — 
is incalculable. And I quite agree with him, 
that the prevailing custom in the manner 
practised is one to be sincerely deplored. 
He also regards the vast fortunes which are 
spent on church ediflces a wrong ; that a por- 
tion of the money thus expended would do a 
world of good among the destitute of the 
great cities, thereby bringing that large class 
whom Christ came to save in much closer 
sympathy with His professed church. He 
further holds that the house of God needs no 
adornment, that luxuries and ornaments dis- 
tract the mind from the sacredness of the 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 71 

place and interfere with spiritual commun- 
ion ; that all worldly display is out of place 
in a house of worship. The renting of pews, 
he asserts, is another evil, also paid choirs. 
The one he claims is an insult to God’s poor, 
the other to God. That one turns many 
away from church or drives them into the 
peasant’s pew, while the other is a salaried 
performance which shuts the lips of those 
who should sing aloud God’s praise ; that the 
condition of the ^ Master who had not where 
to lay his head ’ is in striking contrast to that 
of his pampered servants who dwell in costly 
mansions and fare sumptuously every day. 

I think Father McLonquin earnest and 
honest, and I admire his convictions, and the 
courage with which he upholds them.” 

As the gentleman concluded they moved 
toward the cabin, and I heard no more. I 
sat a long time wrapped in deep thought ; 
everybody seemed to be discussing the sub- 
ject of religion ; every one but me appeared 


72 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


to be interested and to believe. I bad met 
but few wbo were entirely devoid of relig- 
ious sentiment, and I wondered wby atheists 
were so rare. Could I be mistaken in my 
tlieoiy, or rather my entire lack of a theory ? 
Was there indeed a God ? Had we all a 
spark of eternal life within us, destined one 
day to burst forth from the dust of sin and 
sorrow to burn and shine forever? Was 
there a Divinity overruling our destinies? 
Was it shaping mine ? These were the ques- 
tions that tormented me. 

If I had a soul,” I said, half aloud, while 
walking the deck restlessly, have de- 
stroyed it long ago. It has withered and 
died in the hot breath of evil passions. No, 
no ! why think of these things ? I am an 
atheist.” 

An atheist !” said a gentle voice at my 
side ; and turning to see who had spoken, I 
stood before Father McLonquin. My eyes 
fell before his clear, steady gaze, 


GASPAR DESMOKD^S PASSIOIf. 73 

^^Yes, you overlieard the truth: I am an 
atheist,” I said. 

Are you indeed so benighted as to be in- 
sensible to the works of a Superior Being? 
Evidences of design, intelligence, and power 
exist in all created things, therefore there 
must be a Creator. Look before you, behold 
the angry waters : do they not speak to us of 
infinity of Power? Can puny man control 
those menacing billows ?” 

I shrugged my shoulders and was silent. 

“ My son,” he continued, God is mighty 
and terrible, but He is just. Be not arrogant ; 
turn to Him and save your soul.” 

“I do not believe in the existence of a 
soul,” I replied. If we possess immortality, 
why are we so powerless to penetrate what 
lies beyond ? Why are we the victims of 
pain, age, want, and of our own propensities ? 
Why do we not know what we are to be 
when we pass into that sleep called death ?” 

‘ It doth not yet appear what we shall be 


74 


GASPAE DESMOND’S PASSION. 


with patience and faith, all things shall be re- 
vealed. You are sorely distressed, my son ; 
appeal to God.” 

^^But the soul you speak of, what is it?” I 
asked. 

The intangible, mystical life, which, were 
it not imprisoned, would soar beyond this 
world and leave earth desolate. We have 
the analogy of this in the ugly worm that, 
bursting its cell, comes forth a radiant butter- 
fly, with a new life, a new form. It no longer 
creeps but scales the mountain-tops ; it flut- 
ters here, there, everywhere, and is lost in 
space. So shall we pass through a change : 
that change is death. We shall live again in 
the inflnite, live with God.” 

I cannot believe ; I must have stronger 
proof than empty words,” I answered. 

Be meek, my son, be meek, lest God may 
show thee that which is too terrible for the 
human eye to look upon,” was his kindly but 
impressive reply. 


GASPAK DESMOND’S PASSION. 75 

The next moment he was gone, and I con- 
tinued my lonely walk. Shortly after Eva 
sent for me. She was suffering wdth appre- 
hensiveness, as were many of the other pas- 
sengers. She requested me to read aloud, 
believing it would comfort and soothe her to 
sleep. Taking the book she handed me, I 
was vexed to find it a copy of Jean Paul 
Richter’s Narration of the Birth of Self-con- 
sciousness.” My first impulse was to throw 
the book aside, but I conquered the desire, 
and read on. Socn my wife slept, yet I con- 
tinued, nor did I cease until I had reached 
the end. I sighed deeply, brooding over the 
mysteries of life. 

It was near midnight : I could not sleep. A 
terrible oppression held me in thrall ; 1 seemed 
to feel the approach of some great evil. I grew 
restless, frenzied, as I tried to define it. I 
would give much could I but find myself 
back in London when the morning dawned ; 
but we were nearing the Canadian shores. I 


76 GASPAli desmokd’s passion. 

had overheard the captain tell a passenger 
that if the weather was favorable we should 
be opposite St. Pierre Island by morning. 

Finding that I could not sleep, I dressed 
hurriedly and went on deck. The air was 
thick and heavy, the sky dark, occasionally 
rent by vivid flashes of lightning. I saw 
that a severe storm was bearing down upon 
us, and for the first time in my life I felt 
afraid of the elements. 

The sea rose higher every moment : one in- 
stant it appeared like a vast sheet of white 
foam, the next, a black, yawning pit into 
which the ship must plunge. I closed my 
eyes and held fast to the railing, fearing that 
the dark, seething billows would swallow the 
heaving vessel. Never had I dreamed of 
such fury of sea and sky. I was over- 
whelmed with awe as a terrific peal of thun- 
der mingled with the roar of the waves. The 
lightning gleamed fiercely, while the inky 
clouds were fringed with a yellowish hue ; 


CASPAR DESMOJTD’S PASSION. 77 

the surging waters reflected the baleful light, 
and my heart almost ceased to beat as I be- 
held, what first appeared like a cloud, a great 
shadowy form which descended from the 
heavens and stood upon the waters. The 
arms were extended and seemed to stretch as 
far as the eye could see. The upper portion 
of this gigantic apparition resembled the 
form of man, but the head was enveloped in 
a misty vapor through which penetrated the 
gleam of a million eyes. They were of vari- 
ous expressions— pity, sorrow, hate, wrath, 
and joy ; and all were bent directly upon me. 
I was powerless to remove my gaze ; I was 
panic-stricken, and my body shivered violently 
while the very marrow in my bones seemed 
to melt beneath the scorching rays that came 
from those countless orbs. As I looked the 
shadowy form dissolved, and developed into 
innumerable outlines that bore the resem- 
blance of the human form, and floated away 
amidst the vapor that filled the air. The sea 


78 


GASPAK DESMOND'S PASSION. 


roared, the ship plunged and creaked, and 
again the sky was wrapped in darkness. My 
strength came back sufficiently to enable me 
to grope my way to the cabin, but my entire 
system was suffering from the effects of the 
fearful shock. At the door I paused, looked 
back over the booming sea, and said aloud : 
“ There is a God !” 

On teaching my state-room my first impulse 
was to awaken Eva and tell her of the appall- 
ing apparition ; but she slept peacefully, and 
I concluded it best not to disturb her since 
she had slept so little during the voyage ; be- 
sides, it occurred to me that perhaps the vision 
was meant for me alone, to demonstrate what 
there was “ in the heavens above, and the wa- 
ters beneath.” The mirror caught my refiec- 
tion as I poured out a glass of water which 
stood on the stand beneath it, and I was 
scarcely able to recognize my face, so changed 
it was. Age had suddenly come upon me : 
the features were drawn, the skin wrinkled ; 


GASPAK DESMOJ^d’s PASSION. 79 

the eyes were wide and staring, and the hor- 
ror of that awful spectre they had beheld 
was mirrored in their depths. I, turning to 
the berth, touched my wife. She instantly 
sprang up, and cried : 

What has happened ? Something seemed 
to burn my arm. What was it, Gaspar 
My hand : I merely touched you.” 

At that instant a blinding flash caused Eva 
to shriek, and for an instant staggered me; 
then there followed a cry of terror from the 
passengers, who rushed wildly from their 
state-rooms. I opened the door : all was dire 
confusion. 

‘‘ The ship is struck !” cried a hundred 
voices, mingled with screams and prayers 
and the mutterings of thunder. I seized my 
wife and dragged her out into the cabin. I 
struggled amidst the maddening crowd, and 
succeeded in reaching the deck, and there 
stood appalled at the inevitable doom that 
faced us ; a sight that made the stoutest heart 


80 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


grow faint as a child. The ship seemed to 
be enveloped in flames, while the tumultuous 
sea dashed it hither and thither. The cries 
and frantic movements of the people were 
heartrending. I hurried toward the captain, 
who was ordering the boats down ; but at 
that moment a mountain-like wave swept 
over the deck and carried us into the awful 
depths. Eva was wrenched from me, and I 
was dashed up against something hard, which 
I frantically seized, and which proved to be 
part of the wheel-house. 

Shall I ever forget the agony of that 
scene ? My frail raft rode the billows, and I 
was carried rapidly away from the burning 
ship. Once as the waters tossed me high I 
caught a momentary glimpse of the doomed 
vessel and the form of a human being. Then 
all was dark. I groaned as I thought of 
their dreadful fate; and mine — what should it 
be? W ould I too perish or be rescued ? W ould 
that appalling Thing again confront me — 


GASPAR DESMOKD^S PASSION’. 81 

would those myriad eyes again burn into my 
brain? Would I sink down, down, and behold 
the horrors of the ocean-bed ? Would I still 
live on ? Was this hell ? 

Oh God ! Oh God,” I groaned, “ 1 no 
longer doubt ; give me but life that I may re- 
pent and redeem my soul ! Save me ! save 
me ! do not doom me to an everlasting hell 
like this.” 

Morning dawned, but to me it seemed as 
if I had lived a century in those few hours. 
The storm subsided, the clouds disappeared, 
and the sun rose over the ocean as calmly as 
ever before. As I looked over that waste 
of water, which was still fierce and foamy, I 
thought of Eva, of the hearts that would 
break at this calamity. Then ' the form of 
Regina and the memory of all my past in- 
iquity rose up before my mental vision. 
Never before had I realized the enormity of 
my evil life : every unworthy act stared me 


82 


G A SPAR Desmond’s passion. 


in the face, and my conscience cringed and 
shrank as it reviewed the years of sin. 

On, on I drifted, shuddering and crying 
in an agony of fear and remorse. What if I 
must pass another night upon the open sea? 
It was horror to live thus, yet a greater hor- 
ror to die ; to die without a soul redeemed 
meant everlasting perdition. 

I prayed earnestly, incessantly. I implored 
the Divine Being to show me His great mercy 
and let me live. 

Hours after, the sea grew placid, the 
heaven a glorious blue. I strained my eyes 
to discern a speck that rose in the distance. 
The bluish-gray vapor lifted, and I uttered a 
cry of joy. I was nearing land, an island, 
while rapidly advancing toward me was a 
boat — a rescue ! God had heard me. He was 
merciful ! 


GASPAR DESMOKD^S PASSIOK. 


83 


CHAPTER VIIL 

I remember all. I have a faint 

recollection of hearing voices, of being seized, 
pulled from my raft, and drawn into a boat. 

When I awoke, as it were from a long, 
dreamless sleep, I found myself on a humble 
cot surrounded by a group of homely but 
kind-heaided people. Children ragged, dirty, 
and forlorn-looking were watching me in 
wonder; a tall gaunt man held a glass of 
home-brewed liquor and regarded me anx- 
iously. 

I was very weak, and it was some days be- 
fore I could talk of the disaster. 

From the man, Miffin, under whose roof I 
was sheltered, I learned that I had been the 

f 


84 GASPAR Desmond’s passion. 

only survivor of the wreck ; that many dead 
bodies had been washed ashore and buried 
by order of the priest; that I had been 
picked up by a party of fishermen who knew 
nothing of the calamity until they spied my 
raft and saw some floating half-burned spars. 

Could it be possible that I alone was saved 
out of that large list of passengers ? Marvel- 
lous ! And why had I been rescued, I, a sin- 
ner, a scoffer, an atheist ? What had I done 
to deserve such an escape ? Was it for a 
worse fate than death that I had been spared, 
or was it for redemption ? 

I had found God, and vowed. to lead a 
Christian life in the future. 

From my humble host I learned that we 
had been wrecked near St. Pierre, and that 
within a week a vessel would land which 
would carry me to Canada if I desired to go ; 
but I shuddered at the thought of going on 
the treacherous deep, and declared I would 
remain on the island until I had more 


GASPAR DESMO^TD’S PASSIOiq'. 85 

strength, faith, and courage to undertake the 
journey. 

The priest I found a conscientious, intelli- 
gent man, who did what was in his power to 
alleviate the sufferings of the community ; hut 
extreme poverty prevailed, and the priest 
himself was poor. I learned that the island- 
ers’ chief trade was in fish, which they cured 
for market, but that many of the fishermen 
had been lost in the wind storms that were 
frequent and violent about the island. 

Attempts had been made to till the land, 
with a view to establishing an industry yield- 
ing larger profits and subject to less risk of 
life. But for a number of years there had 
been a lack of rain at the time when the 
crops most needed moisture, and the sandy 
loam soil became so dry that all vegetation 
withered and died ; thus farming was a fail- 
ure, and the people could not grow enough 
to save them from want. 

I thought deeply : if I could but change all 


86 


GASPAR Desmond’s passion. 


this and bring water to this now arid land, 
and give a new life to the people, it might in 
a slight measure atone for my evil past. I 
prayed to God to direct me, and again He 
heard my appeal. In a dream I saw the 
means of fulfilling my hopes — irrigation ! 
Why not ? I had seen the result of this sys- 
tem in California. Why not employ it here ? 
There were plenty of arable acres, and the 
trading- vessels that lauded every fortnight 
furnished ample means of transportation for 
whatever the island might produce. With 
increased prosperity insured, the people would 
become educated and in every way enjoy a 
higher life. 

In the mean time I wrote Mrs. Ormn a 
long letter telling her the particulars of the 
disaster and of Eva’s supposed fate ; of my 
rescue, and lack of courage to leave the isl- 
and. I begged of her to write me immedi- 
ately. The ships sailed, and returned bear- 
ing hence message after message, to which I 


GASPAR desmokd's passioit. 87 

never received a reply, and as tlie months 
sped on I gave up all hope of hearing from 
my child until I should return again to Eng- 
land. Though much dejected, I did not al- 
lo^v it to interfere with my great plan of irri- 
gating the parched land. To the priest I 
communicated my ideas, and as he compre- 
hended the benefit it would prove, he clasped 
my hand and cried for joy. 

Immediately we began work. T knew some- 
thing of the theory of well drilling, and with 
the aid and advice of a machinist who, like 
myself, had been wrecked some years ago 
and picked up by the islanders, I was able 
to send for the necessary apparatus, having 
saved in my belt sufficient means to procure 
the machinery. 

The artesian well proved a success. Water 
flowed in such quantities as to furnish irriga- 
tion for more than a thousand acres of land. 
It seemed that underlying a strata of rock 


88 GASPAll DE^MOJS'D’S passiok. 

there existed a reservoir of fresh, tepid water, 
eminently adapted to this purpose. 

With equal success we sank another, and 
still another well, nor did these in any degree 
lessen the flow of water of the first. 

In the spring the fields were plowed and 
flushed by means of numerous ditches into 
which the water was turned. Men and 
women labored alike. They planted grain, 
sowed grass, set out trees, and lo ! the result 
was marvellous : never had there been such a 
harvest. Praise be to God ! the barren coun- 
try was transformed into a beautiful garden 
of plenty. 

In time wheat was converted into flour, 
and straw into paper, in mills that were run 
with power furnished by the wells. Churches 
were built, school-houses erected, the young 
were taught, and the old made happy. 

Neat houses with gardens bright with 
flowers, and fountains in their midst, greeted 
the eye at every turn. 


GASPAll DESMOND’S PASSION. 89 

What a new world it was ! How cheerful 
and contented the men appeared, how light- 
hearted the women ! 

Finally I conceived the idea of siibdrain- 
age for the purpose of growing certain fruits ; 
but finding the cost of piping to be exorbit- 
ant, I was about to relinquish the idea, when 
it occurred to me to try pipes made from 
paper. Immediately I set to work experi- 
menting, and found that by coating paper 
tubes internally and externally with pitch 
they would hold water and resist ordinary 
pressure. The fruit grown on subirrigated 
soil proved to be the largest and of the finest 
flavor. 

A lucrative trade was established between 
the island and other ports, and people came 
from the crowded cities to settle amidst the 
flelds of wheat and groves of cottonwood. 

I often conversed with the priest on the 
subject, and it was a source of mutual won- 
der why the people in many portions of the 


90 GASPAE DESMOND’S PASSION. 

West had not adapted this remedy to their 
fevered lands. For instance, why were not 
the vast Dakotas irrigated, and their rich 
prairies thus utilized ? They were suffering 
from drought, and it was a well-known fact 
that there were large subterranean lakes be- 
neath these vast regions. The priest dwelt 
eloquently upon the inestimable blessings 
that would result from the adoption of these 
methods ; of the homes of comfort and pros- 
perity that would thus be offered to the peas- 
antry of the overcrowded European countries, 
and to the struggling families of our Eastern 
States as well. 

It was a profound myster}^ to the priest 
why men of ideas and means had not worked 
out this grand enterprise, that was so sure to 
be replete with riches and honor to its pro- 
jector, and productive of unspeakable bless- 
ings of his fellow-men. 


GASPAR DESMOi^D’S PASSION. 


91 


CHAPTER IX. 

Five years I . had passed among these 
people, who regarded me as their benefactor, 
and when I prepared to leave the island they 
wept, and implored me not to go from them ; 
but my heart had ached so long for a sight 
of my home, for a word of pardon from my 
father and the fair woman I had so wronged, 
that I was deaf to the persuasions of these 
sincere people, and bade them farewell, adding 
that I might return some day. 

I had no fear now of the law ; for who 
would recognize me as the once handsome, 
reckless youth, Caspar Desmond? Besides, 
they believed him dead, buried eighteen years 
ago, so I need have no fear to return. For 


92 GASPAR DESMOi^D’S PASSION. 

my father’s sake I would use all precautions 
to hide my identity. I will pass over my un- 
eventful journey, at the close of which I 
reached my father’s estate by sunrise. After 
leaving the railroad station I took a road that 
was little travelled and used chiefly by wood- 
cutters ; it ran along a low range of hills 
known as Old Bald,” and led directly to the 
farm. I thus escaped pedestrians and could 
reach the mansion without being observed. 
I had one fear : that was, that my father 
might have long since passed away, and Re- 
gina, she too might have drooped and died. 
I prayed that this sorrow might not be in 
store for me. 

It was a glorious morning. How fragrant 
the air, how peaceful and calm ! How the 
sun glistened on the cobwebs that stretched 
from bough to bough, and spread over the 
meadow grass like nets of silver lace ! The 
little lake that nestled among the hills shone 
like a huge diamond in a setting of emerald. 


GASPAR Desmond’s passion. 93 

Never before bad I been impressed witb its 
beauty. I remembered bow often in bygone 
days I bad sat on its banks and fisbed, and 
tears dimmed my eyes as I stood on tbe self- 
same spot where I bad stood one sunny day 
witb Kegina, years ago. I wondered if sbe 
too remembered, and bad sbe ever gone forth 
to revisit tbe old haunts made dear by tbe 
words of love there spoken ? Ab, soon I 
should know all ; a few minutes’ walk across 
tbe bill, and I should see tbe blessed home 
that sheltered her. How my heart filled witb 
rapture ! What hope arose within my breast ! 
I spoke aloud my joy, as I started forward 
about to ascend tbe bill. But the woods 
suddenly vibrated witb tbe sweet music of a 
woman’s voice. I held my breath, and even 
tbe feathered songsters hushed their warbling 
to listen to tbe exquisite strains that rippled 
over tbe water and lost themselves in a thou- 
sand echoes among tbe bills beyond. 


94 


GASPAR Desmond’s passion. 


Soon the singer emerged from a bridle- 
path which I had so often trod, and paused 
as she finished her song. I was partially 
screened from her view by a young pine, and 
had thus an opportunity unobserved to note 
her marvellous beauty. Her tall form was 
robed in a delicate pink material, and every 
curve of her figure was perfect. Her face 
was radiant, and her hair as golden as the 
sun. She clasped her hands above her head, 
and said aloud, in a clear and reverential 
tone of voice : 

Father, how can I ever thank Thee for the 
beauty of this new day ? For the sunlight, 
which is Thy smile ; for the air, which is Thy 
breath ; for all the harmony of sound, which 
is Thy voice ; and for the happiness that fills 
my heart ! Oh, how infinite Thy power ! 
how manifold are Thy blessings !” 

Ere the last note died on her lips the 
shrubbery parted, and a wolf-hound sprang 
forward with a short, savage bark. 


GASPAR Desmond’s passion. 95 

Here, Kaiser, clown, sir !” called tlie girl, 
as the beast sniffed the air an instant and 
then dashed toward me. The next instant 
his huge paws were planted on my shoulders, 
and his jaws were working to fasten them- 
selves into my throat; but fortunately I 
caught him by the collar, and held him off 
at arm’s length. The girl endeavored to drag 
him from me, but he resisted her strength 
and was deaf to her commands. A struggle 
ensued, wherein he succeeded in setting his 
teeth into the fleshy part of my arm. 

“ A club ! some weapon !” I gasped, as I 
staggered about, struggling with the mad- 
dened animal. 

Again his fangs sunk into my arm, and my 
cry of pain aroused the girl to action. 

From her luxuriant mass of hair she drew 
forth what proved to be an ancient sil- 
ver dagger, and approaching she drove the 
weapon with all her strength into the dog’s 


96 GASPAK DESMOND^S PASSION. 

shaggy breast. A furious snarl, a groan that 
was almost human, and the brute sprang into 
the air, falling lifeless at his mistress’s feet. 

“ Poor Kaiser !” she said, with a shudder ; 
then turning to me, our eyes met. What was 
there in their depths that recalled the by- 
gone days ? 

“ This is a misfortune, sir, for which I feel 
responsible. He was my dog, but always so 
obedient, and gentle as a lamb. Ugh ! how 
fearfully he has gashed your arm. Allow me 
to bind it with my scarf: it will at least 
stanch the flow of blood.” 

While speaking she hastily drew from her 
shoulders a silken scarf, and, despite remon- 
strance, bound it tightly around my torn and 
bleeding arm. The faint odor of violets 
issued from the wavy hair that reached nearly 
to her knees, and the contour of her snowy 
neck was exquisite. Vaguely I wondered 
who she was that she should be thus on my 


GASPAR DESMON’D^S PASSION. 


97 


father’s premises, apparently familiar with 
every spot. Could it be that strangers were 
occupying the home of my ancestors ? Was 
my father indeed dead? I winced at the 
thought, and she said : 

“ You are in great pain, I fear. If you 
will come with me, sir, to my grandfather, 
Colonel Desmond, who lives just beyond the 
hills, he will attend you properly, for he is 
quite skilled in surgery. You are ghastly 
pale ; are you really hurt so badly ? Oh, I 
pray you, command yourself.” 

^^Yes, yes,” I faltered, my limbs trem- 
bling so violently that I could scarcely stand. 
“ But your — father ?” I resumed. “ I think I 
knew him — very well.” 

He was accidentally killed before I was 
born.” 

I stifled a groan, and continued : 

Was not your mother’s maiden name — 
Bentley ?” 

Yes, she w^as the daughter of a clergyman 


98 GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 

of that name. She also died young, before I 
knew her face.” 

My God !” I staggered, and pressed my 
hand to my head. 

Sir, sir, what is the matter ?” she asked 
in alarm. 

Oh, the pain — the pain is frightful,” I 
gasped, scarce knowing what I said. 

You are badly w^ounded ! Yes, yes; you 
are bleeding profusely. Rest here : I will 
send some one to you immediately.” 

Ere I could manage to reply she disap- 
peared. I opened my lips to call her back, to 
tell her who I was, to look again upon her 
face and bid her speak ; but my tongue re- 
fused to obey my will. I stood indeed 
alone. 

‘^Regina is dead, dead !” I groaned feebly. 
My breast was filled with sobs, but my eyes 
were tearless. I staggered toward the bridle- 
path, but the earth began to swim before me, 
and a fearful nausea came over me. I 


^GASPAR DESMOI^D'S PASSIOK. 99 

stretched out my wounded arm to seize a 
pine branch for support, but merciful Obliv- 
ion took me in her embrace, and all was 
blank. 


100 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


CHAPTEK X. 

Something touched my face. , I opened my 
eyes, to find Petterson bending over me, his 
tears falling on my cheeks, his arm pillowing 
my head. 

Xo need to tell me who you are. Master 
Gaspar, I never believed you dead, I knew 
you would come back some time.” 

^^You do not hate me, then 

“ Hate you ?” he echoed. Ah no ; a 
faithful heart can never change, a true love 
can never die. I mourned for you, prayed 
for you, and now I weep with you. I cannot 
forget that you were nursed at my Annie’s 
breast, or that I it was who taught your little 
feet their first steps. Here, my poor boy, 


GASPAR Desmond’s passion. 


101 


drink this ; it will put a little strength into 
you so I can get you home.” 

He raised a flask to my lips, and I took a 
draught of liquor, which greatly revived me. 

Some moments I rested my head against 
his honest breast, and the fount of tears that 
had been frozen but a moment ago melted 
beneath his caressing touch. I caught his 
hand, and pressed my lips to a finger I had 
broken long ago in a fit of passion by strik- 
ing it with the self-same whip that laid low 
the gray head of the Rev. Bentley. The 
sight of the crippled member unnerved me 
completely. 

“ O Petterson,” I sobbed, ‘Ho think that I 
was cruel enough for this ! How can you — 
how can you love me still 

“ Ah, master Gaspar, I should always love 
you, though you broke every bone in my old 
body. Perhaps I was most at fault. I was 
awkward and provokingly slow, while you 
were fierce, restless, and passionate. You did 


102 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


not understand me — but that is all past. You 
seem changed, for which I thank God. 
Come, lean on me, and I will take you home 
quickly. My young mistress is nearly dis- 
tracted about you. She flew over the meadow 
like a streak of lightning and bade me come 
to you with all haste. Poor Kaiser !” he mur- 
mured, as we passed the stiffened form of the 
dog. “ He gave you a savage welcome. I hope 
the Colonel will soon be home, so he can 
dress yojir arm. Does it pain you badly ?” 

“ I am weak from the loss of blood, but the 
pain is of no consequence, my heart alone 
aches. Petterson, you speak as if my father 
were not at home.” 

Oh,” he replied, he has just gone to call 
on Joel the old blacksmith. You remember 
him ? He is very sick with typhoid fever. A 
number in the neighborhood have recently 
died with the disease, and they fear that the 
old man cannot survive.” 

Yes, I remember him, Petterson. He once 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 103 

said that I would end iny days in a mad- 
house or a prison: I have been near, very 
near, to both.” ' 

^^Hush, master Gaspar! you wring my 
heart.” 

“Your young mistress is my — my child, 
Petterson, but she believes her father dead,” 
I said, as we walked along. 

“ And dead he must ever remain to her 

y 

for such I know will , be the Colonel’s will,” 
he replied gravely. 

“ Petterson !” 

“ I know it is hard, my boy. God knows I 
feel for you, but I fear there is no hope that 
he will ever relent. Do not take advantage 
of your father’s absence ; do not betray your 
identity to Miss Guinevere at present, promise 
me. Master Gaspar.” 

“ I promise. God pity me !” 

We crossed the green meadows in silence, 
but memory was active and merciless. 

We reached the grand old house : my child 


104 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


met us at the door and led me into the library, 
the room I knew so well, and requested me 
to rest on the couch until Colonel Desmond 
should arrive. She bade Petterson bring me 
a cup of coffee while she went to fetch fresh 
bandages for my arm. 

When Petterson returned with the aromat- 
ic beverage, I could not refrain from saying : 

“ How beautiful she is ! Tell me a word of 
her.” 

Be content to know that she is happy and 
the light of the Colonel’s eyes, the joy of his 
heart, and the queen of his home. Hush ! she 
comes,” and he gave me a warning glance, as 
she entered with a bundle of linen. 

“ I see grandpa coming up the walk. I will 
go and tell him of your misfortune. Petter- 
son, you had better get the case of instru- 
ments, so there will be no delay in dressing 
the wound, and then you can tell Nellie to 
set another plate, for our guest will stay to 
breakfast,” 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


105 


At that instant we heard a slow, measured 
step in the corridor, and the girl hastened 
from the room. 

Petterson wrung my hand and charged me 
to be brave, while I whispered, Pray for me,” 
and he left the library. I listened eagerly for 
my father’s voice. 

A stranger, and injured, Guinevere ?” I 
heard him ask. 

He cannot be an entire stranger to yon, 
grandpa, for he said that he knew my father 
well,” responded the girl. 

“ Aye ?” There was displeasure in his ex- 
clamation, and my heart throbbed painfully. 
A moment more and the slow step paused. I 
looked up. In the doorway they stood, Guin- 
evere a little in advance, with one hand 
stretched out as if to present me, the other 
lightly resting on my father’s right shoulder. 
Wbat was on her lips was never uttered, for 
she stood amazed, watching the changing ex- 
pression of my father’s face. The ruddy 


106 GASPAR Desmond’s passion. 

glow faded from his cheeks and an ashen 
pallor overspread his features as our eyes 
met ; he trembled, and for a moment he looked 
as if about to faint, but he rallied and as- 
sumed a haughty air. His brow contracted 
into a heavy frown, and his eyes gleamed. 

Grandpa, what — ” 

My child,” he interrupted, “ leave us. I 
have a few words to say to this — this person.” 

do not understand your changed man- 
ner, grandpa ; I hope you are not angry,” she 
said, looking at me sharply. But he did not 
answer her, only led her gently into the cor- 
ridor, then returned and locked the door. Ad- 
vancing toward me, he said in a low voice : 

^^Have I verily gone mad, or are you in- 
deed Gaspar Desmond ?” 

“Your son Gaspar, who comes to crave 
your pardon. O father !” I cried, endeavor- 
ing to touch him, but he shrank from me. 

“ I believed you dead, and was thankful for 
that blessing. Why have you come back ?” 


CASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 10 ? 

His voice was low a;id sorrowful, but firm 
and severe. 

Because my heart longed for you, father ; 
because I desired to tell you of my remorse, 
my atonement, my lonely exiled life ; because 
I am no longer an atheist but a believer in 
God’s Word and His goodness; because T 
yearned for Begina, who was my early love, 
my only love.” 

^^Begina!” he said huskily. ^^The poor 
betrayed heart has been at rest these many 
years. Your ungovernable passions were not 
only the cause of her father’s death, but of 
hers also.” 

No, no ! Q father, do not tell me that I 
killed her too — it is more than I can bear,” I 
moaned. 

She was crazed with grief at your mad 
act. Poor girl ! When she found that her 
father revived, and that the doctors held out 
some hope of his entire recovery, she re- 
proached herself for having sent you away ; 


108 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


and vainly hoping that she could find you, 
she wandered forth for several weeks, re- 
turning foot-sore, weary, and heart-kroken to 
learn that your supposed body had been 
buried the fourth day after the murderous 
assault — ” 

Oh, I did not mean to kill him : it was 
done in a moment of temper,” I interrupted. 

She came to me, the misled child, and fall- 
ing at my feet told me why her father did 
not want to see her face again. She told me 
all, vainly trying to shield and exonerate her 
miscreant lover. I took the tired child in my 
arms, and gave her a father’s love and pro- 
tection.” 

God bless you ! God bless you for that,” 
I cried, kissing the hand I clasped. 

She refused to wed a young Englishman 
who had been her father’s choice. He was a 
noble fellow, and as worthy of her love as 
you were deserving of her scorn. She sent 
him away and remained faithful to your 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


109 


memory until the end. Six months after that 
fatal blow Dr. Bentley died, and then Begina 
drooped like a hot-house flower. The morn- 
ing before she died, placing her infant 
daughter in my arms, she murmured : 

^ Love her as your own. Good-bye. I am 
going to find Gaspar, never to be separated 
again.’ With these, her last words, she passed 
away. Then I thought of all the sorrow you 
had wrought, of the disgrace you had brought 
upon my name, and I vowed solemnly that 
had you not died I would have shown you 
no mercy. To-day, after eighteen years, you 
come back to me like a ghost of the past, 
and my oath* rises grimly and claims fulfil- 
ment.” He closed his eyes and sighed deeply. 

Spare me, father ! I have long since re 
pented in sackcloth and ashes ; I have strug- 
gled hard for the mastery of my passions. 
You, who are so generous to others, be mer- 
ciful to your child. See, I am ill — ill with 
yearning and despair.” 


no 


GASPAK DESMOND’S PASSION. 


I clung to his arm, and as he looked into 
my eager, pleading face a moisture veiled his 
eyes, and the proud mouth trembled, a flush 
rose from his chin to his temples ; his hand 
rested for a moment on my head, then dropped 
to his side, and he said kindly but de- 
cisively : 

^^Gaspar, you have touched my aching 
heart and awakened the old love. Alas ! a 
father cannot forget his son. But the ghosts 
of the two I so loved must ever stand be- 
tween us. I will prove false to my vow : I 
will even say that I forgive ; but see you 
again I cannot. You must go from here at 
once, and never enter these doors again.” 

“ But my child, father, my child ! Exile me 
not from you both, for that were worse than 
death.” 

“ And would you break her heart with the 
knowledge of your crime, her mother’s shame ? 
She must be spared at any sacrifice. It is my 
will, it is your duty. If you disobey I shall 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


Ill 


forget that you are flesh of my flesh. Go, 
and remember my warning. Farewell !” 

He firmly removed my fingers that clung 
so tenaciously to his arm, and with tears roll- 
ing over his cheeks moved to the door. As he 
opened it Petterson appeared with a small 
case of surgical instruments. During this 
painful interview we had both forgotten my 
injuries. 

“ Ah yes ; come in, Petterson, you can 
help me dress the wound,” said my father, 
with a great effort at self-possession. Then 
he proceeded in silence to clip away the 
ragged flesh, after which he cauterized the 
wound and firmly bandaged it. This done, 
he turned to his servant : 

Petterson, see that this gentleman has 
his breakfast, and is supplied with anything 
he desires; also write out a check for five 
thousand dollars payable to his order, and 
then drive him to the railroad station at 
W . If you need any assistance at any 


112 


GASPAE DESMOND’S PASSION. 


time,” lie continued, addressing me, write 
to Petterson, and yon shall be promptly sup- 
plied. Good-bye, and may God forgive and 
bless you.” 

Appealingly I held out my hands, but he 
left the room without a farewell clasp, with- 
out another word or look. Poor boy ! poor 
boy !” murmured Petterson, as he wound his 
strong arm around me. 


GASPAR DESMOI^d’s PASSION. 


113 


CHAPTER XL 

Had it all been a dream, a hideous dream ? 
Was I still a youth, proud and wayward, 
with an untarnished name, the cherished son 
of an honored man ? My eyes wandered about 
the apartment. It was the same that I had 
occupied in my boyhood. Nothing was 
changed. The same pictures were hanging 
on the wall, the same ribbon-loops held back 
the dainty silk curtains. The shelf with 
my favorite books and the photographs of 
my favored companions hung within my 
reach, just as of old ; my gun, my silver pow- 
der-horn, and the skin of a stag which I 
had shot, were hanging on the door just 
where I had placed them. There was the 


114 


GASPAR DESMOND'S PASSION. 


onyx stand whicli held my mother’s Bible, 
and on the hearth were the remnants of a 
fire. My pipe and a book lay on the table 
just as I had left them years ago. Would I 
find my father in his favorite chair reading 
as he was wont to do when I was ill? Was 
I ill now? Were the long years of suffering 
and evil but the fancies of a fevered brain ? 

Slowly I raised my throbbing head and 
looked toward the alcove. Alas ! the chair 
was vacant, I had not dreamed. My right 
arm was stiff and painful, and as I vaguely 
glanced at it the incidents of the meeting 
with Guinevere were revived. 

The door opened and Petterson entered. 

“ Are you better. Master Gaspar ?” he asked 
anxiously, coming to my bedside. 

“ Have I been ill ?” 

“Yes, you were stricken with the fever 
which is so prevalent about here,” he replied 
tenderly. 

“ How long have I been ill ?” 


GASPAR DESMONl/S PASSION’. 115 

Two weeks.” 

“ Two weeks, Petterson ? And my father, 
has he been with me ?” 

Your father left with Miss Guinevere the 
day after you were brought here from the 
library.” 

Gone ! both gone ?” 

Yes,” replied Petterson. “Miss Guinevere 
appeared much disturbed over the mysterious 
situation, and the Colonel feared she might 
overhear your delirious raving and learn 
the truth. They have gone to visit a Mr. 
Rosco, the celebrated painter who is the 
foster-father of Miss Guinevere’s betrothed.” 

“Betrothed ?” I echoed, with a jealous pang. 

“ Yes ; but you are too weak to talk to-day. 
I will tell you all when you are stronger.” 

I was silent and did not mention the matter 
until a week later, when I was able to sit up. 
After Petterson had made me comfortable in 
my father’s favorite chair, I said : 

“ I can endure it no longer. Tell me, is 


116 


GASPAK DESMOND^S PASSION. 


he worthy of her, does she love him, will she 
be happy, and what is he like ?” 

^^To begin with, he is a foreigner. His 
dark beauty and soft accent remind me of 
an Italian. He is handsome, and not older 
than Miss Guinevere, I should judge. His 
father is wealthy, and both are popular 
artists ; in fact, the young man is a genius 
and idolizes your daughter.” 

“ Does he know of my — my unfortunate 
career, of Guinevere’s — parentage?” I asked 
anxiously. 

believe the Colonel explained simply 
that Miss Guinevere’s parents both died 
young.” 

I sighed, and closed my eyes to hide the 
tears that filled them. Petterson left the 
room but returned almost immediately. 

^^See,” he said, ^Hhis displays young Eos- 
co’s skill as a portrait painter. Is he not 
a genius ?” 

“ A second Kaphael !” I cried in glad sur- 


GASPAR DESMOND'S PASSION. 117 

prise, as I took the ivory panel which Petter- 
son had brought in. It was a perfect like- 
ness of my Guinevere. Ah,” I resumed, he 
must be worthy of her if he can paint like 
this. How my heart goes out to her, my 
precious darling ! O Petterson, I shall never 
cease to pray for their happiness. When 
are they to be married 

This month, providing — providing — ” 

I know what you would spare me, Petter- 
son. You mean providing I am gone.” 

^^But you must not think of that now, 
Master Gaspar.” 

Oh that I had died, for banishment is 
but a living death,” I moaned. 

My faithful attendant made no reply, but 
taking a letter from his pocket handed it to 
me, saying I should read it at my leisure; 
whereat he went out, perhaps to hide from 
me his emotion. 

Without hesitation I broke the seal and 
read the following : 


118 GASPAE DESMOKD'S PASSION. 

“ Gaspae, my Son : I want to tell you of tlie 
joy that filled my heart when I heard from 
your lips the story of your reformation. Then 
I longed to fold you to my breast, to weep 
over you, to bid you ever remain by my side ; 
but for Guinevere’s sake this cannot be. I 
am not hardened, and your eloquent plead- 
ing wrung my heart, but I did not dare to 
trust myself, not until you lay tossing in a 
delirium of fever. Then I took you in my 
arms, and Gaspar, my boy, I forgot that you 
had ever sinned — forgot all save that you 
were my child. 

“ It is hard indeed to send you from the 
home of which you are the rightful heir, but 
duty demands it, and for her sake I must 
not, cannot relent. I shall never cease to 
think of you, to long for your presence, and 
shall always lament the necessity that sepa- 
rates us. 

“ Good-bye, my son. That we may finally 
meet where partings are unknown is the only 


GASPAR DESMOI^D’S PASSION^. 


119 


hope and earnest prayer of your desolate 
father.” 

The letter fluttered to the floor, and I 
thought of all that might have been. Ah 
God ! that might have been. 


120 


GASPAE DESMOND’S PASSION. 


CHAPTEK XII. 

To be ill and crippled, to be a burden to 
others; to know you are barring out from 
happiness those dearer to you than life ; to 
see at every turn of the eye objects that 
revive some incident of the past, making the 
future look still more desolate by comparison 
— all this only mildly expresses the unhappy 
position I occupied. 

Just as I had grown strong enough to 
think of leaving for England I was stricken 
with rheumatic gout, and for two months lay 
as helpless as a child. It was feared that I 
should' never again have the use of my hands 
and feet; but regardless of my physician’s 
orders, Petterson treated me with hot salt 
baths, and my limbs partially recovered their 


GASPAR DESMOKD’s PASSIOK. 


121 


normal condition. I could -walk, but my step 
bad lost all its elasticity and my form was 
painfully bent. 

Two months I bad been thus confined, 
every hour of which I thought of Guinevere, 
who was longing to come back. I could en- 
dure it no more ; so while still in a precarious 
condition I rose in the night and cautiously 
dressed. Then I wrote Petterson a letter 
expressing my gratitude and bidding him 
farewell. The purse my father left me I 
placed in my bosom, and taking my mother’s 
Bible I uttered a feeble prayer and passed 
out into the still and lonely night. What a 
sense of desolation came over me as slowly I 
wended my way down the lane, across a field, 
through a woods, and on to a lonely cottage 
that stood on the verge of the pine forest. 
The cabin belonged to the estate and was 
used by the woodcutters in winter. It was 
now unoccupied but partially furnished, and 
it occurred to me to secrete myself there and 


122 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


tlius remain on the farm until after her wed- 
ding. No one would suspect my where- 
abouts, and I could gather sufficient fruit and 
vegetables from the place at night to provide 
for my wants. 

My better judgment counselled me against 
this imprudent course, but I was seized with 
a savage longing to see her again, to hear the 
joyful toll of her wedding-bells, to look upon 
the man who would be her life-long com- 
panion and protector. Then I would crawl 
away unseen, unknown, and seek the boy of 
my legal marriage ; if I failed in this, I had 
still one hope left me, the hope to die. 

Does death come to those who court it ? 
Why had I lived to become helpless, decrepit, 
isolated, and homeless ? Had I reached the 
height of my suffering? Would the pain 
begin to diminish, and my overcharged heart 
become insensible to grief and find rest, or 
had I yet to learn how much the human 
frame could endure and still live on ? 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


123 


For two weeks I wandered fortk from my 
lonely cabin when darkness veiled tke earth 
to see if she had come. At last I knew she 
had come, for every window in the mansion 
was illumined, and where she was there was 
light. 

Closer I crept, keeping within the shadow 
of the stone wall that enclosed the park 
wherein played Guinevere’s pet deers. It 
was a lovely night : a young crescent swung 
in the dense violet sky, and the air was sweet 
with odors ; but I shivered like one struck by 
a wintry blast and clenched my hands as I 
realized that but for that blow dealt years 
ago I should now be the rightful heir of that 
stately home. O God ! O God ! 

I heard voices and crouched down as I 
dimly discerned two forms approaching me. 
I held my breath, and strained my ears to 
catch every word. Already I recognized 
Guinevere’s voice, and my restless spirit grew 
subdued. 


124 


GASPAR DESMOND^S PASSION. 


Ttey paused close to where I crouched, a 
bush of jasmine alone separating us and 
preventing me from touching her garments. 
Could they hear the wild beating of my heart, 
or my tears that showered on the waxen 
leaves ? 

That is called the path of souls, is it 
not, Eugene?” she asked her companion as 
she pointed to the milky way.” 

am unprepared to say, dearest, as I am 
no psychologist ; but it is at least a pretty 
fancy,” was his reply, in a rich but peculiar 
voice. 

^^Tell me, Eugene, are you not impatient 
for the day when we both shall fly through 
that endless space and understand the glim- 
mer of every star as we pass from sphere to 
sphere on our way up to God’s holy throne ?” 
she asked. 

Guinevere, I prefer to walk with you 
through this world of beauty. I have no 
curiosity to investigate that which lies so far 


GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 


125 


beyond. There, you are coughing again; let 
us go in, darling.” 

“ Not yet, Eugene, for I feel a strange calm 
as I stand here. Perhaps my sainted parents 
are looking down upon us from their home 
above.” 

Despite my effort to smother the groan 
that trembled on my lips a slight sound 
escaped me. 

What was that ?” asked the youth. 

^‘It sounded like the wail of a lost soul, 
but of course it was nothing more than the 
distant cry of a night-bird,” she responded. 

Are you not afraid, Guinevere ?” 

Afraid, Eugene ? of what ? God is every- 
where. I never knew fear.” 

^Wou are a wonderful woman, Guinevere, 
far too good, too spiritual for me. But I 
love you, I worship you, and shall endeavor 
to be worthy of you.” 

Eugene,” she said impressively, you are 
my twin soul, — for no soul is individual, — 


126 


GASPAR Desmond’s passion. 


therefore worthy of me. My life would be 
incomplete were I to lose the light of your 
smile, the touch of your hand, and the breath 
of your kiss. Ah, Eugene, God ordained us 
for each other. Take me in your arms and 
promise — promise to believe entirely in the 
Saviour I love and trust. So train your soiil 
that there shall be no separation in the world 
to come.” 

“ Do you then really believe that the soul 
lives on?” 

O Eugene ! do not doubt the promise 
of your Creator,” she said, almost reproach- 
fully. 

“Well, if I reach heaven, Guinevere, it 
will be because you are there.” 

“Say rather, Eugene, because you love 
God,” she pleaded. 

He answered evasively, and kissed her. 

“ What are your views of death ?” she re- 
sumed. 

“ Let us not discuss such a sad and melan- 


GASPAK DESMOND^S PASSIOIT. 


127 


choly subject on the eve of our wedding. 
Let us talk of to-morrow, of the future, of 
our journey through France and Eome, where 
I passed the happiest days of my life before 
I met you, Guinevere.” 

“ I find the happiness too great, Eugene ; I 
am afraid to think of it. I become calm in 
allowing my fancy to soar above this sphere, 
to wander amidst those shining worlds, seek- 
ing those gone before. I suppose I am mor- 
bid and tired to-night ; my cheeks are burn- 
ing with excitement.” 

Speak on, Guinevere, if it rests you. 
What are your views? I have none,” he 
said. 

“I believe the soul, when released from its 
casket of clay, rises above to some one of 
those far-off planets, and is again chained to 
a material form, where it continues its de- 
velopment and perfecting, and thus passing 
from sphere to sphere, at each transformation 
losing more and more of the earthly, until it 


128 GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 

becomes wortby to ascend to the place of 
God’s throne.” 

^^Do yon believe this, Guinevere?” he 
asked. 

“Yes, Eugene ; the spirit must be cleansed 
and purified.” 

“Guinevere, have you ever pondered on 
what our Saviour said to the thief on the 
cross — ^To-day shalt thou be with Me in 
Paradise’ ?” asked the youth. 

“ Yes, but when Christ arose from the 
grave on the third day He said to the weep- 
ing Magdalene: ^ Touch Me not; for I am 
not yet ascended to My Father.” Where was 
the soul during this period if not preparing 
for the throne ?” she replied. 

“I cannot answer you, Guinevere; your 
thoughts go beyond mine. I verily believe 
I should go crazy if I tried to fathom the 
mystery.” 

“ To me it is a beautiful thought. I am 
anxious for the change when my soul will be 


OASPAIl t)ESMO]5rD^S PASSIOK. 129 

free as a bird to scale tbe universe and be* 
bold tbe marvellous things. Ob yes, Eugene ; 
tbe soul lives on to expand, to explore, to 
understand God’s endless wonders. You 
sigb, I bave made you unhappy ; forgive me, 
and let us return to tbe library : grandpa will 
tell us one of bis mirth-provoking stories and 
you will forget my serious theme. Come.” 

She laughed, her lover sighed, and both 
passed beyond my hearing across the thresh- 
old and disappeared into the circle of light 
and love, leaving me cold, desolate, alone. 


130 . 


CASPAR DESMOKD’s PASSION. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

The following evening I again emerged 
from my hiding-place and approached the hal- 
lowed spot where she was. How brilliant 
was the scene ! The park was bright with 
numerous colored lanterns which were strung 
from tree to tree. The sound of music min- 
gled with laughter filled the air. There 
were hurrying foot-steps, and merry voices, 
the sound of carriage wheels, the tolling of 
the village bells, and bright were the win- 
dows of that dear old home. 

I hesitated before entering the park. 
Should I not be detected in that blaze of 
light ? Should I not be seen, and then — what 
then? Why remain to torture myself? It 
would only make my pain the keener to see 


GASPAE DESMOND’S PASSION. 131 

her again, to say farewell and receive no re- 
sponsive tear, no farewell sigh, no sound but 
the hollow echo of my own words. 

Impelled by something, I know not what, 
I went along the hedge, and entered the park 
where the shadows were the thickest. I hid 
myself among a cluster of blossoming shrub- 
trees that grew close to the library windows, 
and from my screened position I could see 'all 
that was passing within the room, and as the 
sash was raised I could hear distinctly all 
that was said. 

My father entered and stood for some 
moments with head bowed, and his lips 
moved. Perhaps he was praying inuadibly 
for me whom he thought far away. 

How hungrily I watched him ! O God, 
how my heart pleaded to speak to him ! I 
could scarce control the desire to crawl 
through the open window and fling myself 
before him, and beg to die at his feet. How 
greedily my eyes feasted on the various arti- 


132 GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 

cles in the room, the ink-well and the silver 
quill which would so soon register the mar- 
riage of my child. How I envied the house- 
cat her place upon the hearth, and the parrot 
that my father caressed ! I would have given 
worlds for the touch of his hand, for the 
attention he bestowed on these favored creat- 
ures. 

I felt to remain and suffer thus would de- 
prive me of my reason. As I stood there, the 
prey of such distracting emotions, the azure 
velvet portiere parted, and Guinevere, robed 
in white, glided in. Her face was flushed 
with happiness, and she looked the embodi- 
ment of a poet’s dream. 

Grandpa,” she cried, throwing her arms 
around his neck, ^Hhe clergyman has come 
and I must soon put on my veil and orange- 
blossoms. But I want you to take me in 
your arms and kiss me for the last time that 
I am a child. One hour later I shall be Mrs. 
Eugene Eosco.” 


GASPAR DESMON-d’s PASSION. 


133 


God grant Mrs. Eugene Rosco life-long 
happiness,” answered iny father fervently, as 
he kissed her lovely brow. 

Amen,” I murmured, retreating from the 
window, with the intention of leaving a 
scene I felt I could no longer endure ; but as 
my eyes took their last look Guinevere darted 
from the room, and the bridegroom and Mr. 
Rosco entered. 

Why did I advance and look in upon 
them with staring eyes, then recoil, and 
gnash my teeth, and tear my hair, and pray 
that some sudden tempest would sweep us 
all from the face of the earth ? Why? You 
shall hear. 

The light of the chandelier fell full upon 
the young man’s face, and I recognized every 
feature — the dark eloquent eyes, and the 
wavy hair. Though it had matured, the 
countenance was the same as when I last 
saw it, over five years ago. And the name 


134 GASPAE DESMOND’S PASSION. 

Eugene, tliat too was tlie same. O that I 
could be mistaken ! 

He took my father’s hand, but my brain 
was so dazed that I could not comprehend 
their entire conversation. 

^^My fortune shall be Eugene’s,” Eosco 
was saying ; “ he shall never be other than 
my own son ; but he insists on being married 
under his own name, or as Eugene St. John 
Eosco.” 

Too true, too true !” I groaned. 

Whichever he thinks best : it matters not 
, so long as she is happy,” answered my father, 
as all three left the library. 

What was to be done? how warn them, 
how prevent this terrible calmity and yet 
spare her ? Ah ! Petterson ! I had forgotten 
my faithful Petterson ; I would seek him and 
appeal to his aid. I endeavored to climb 
into the window, but my crippled limbs re- 
fused to assist me‘ I hurried to the servants’ 
hall, but the door was securely fastened; 


GASPAE DESMOKB’S PASSIOlf. 135 

frenzied by my discoveiy, I forgot tact and 
discretion, and ruslied back to tlie library 
window, saying aloud : 

^‘They must know before it’s too late. 
God help me !” 

I called aloud for Petterson, but the s^vell 
of music that came from the drawing-room 
drowned my voice. I knew that the guests 
were all assembled in the rooms across the 
corridor, and that I might enter the hall un- 
observed, or see a servant and bid him call 
my father. My despair made me desperate. 
I hastened across the portico, my hand 
grasped the silver door-knob, but I hesitated ; 
my knees knocked together, and my legs 
refused to support me ; my face was covered 
with an icy moisture, and I shrank at the 
thought of the horror my words would 
create. No, no ! I could not tell them. I 
would fly, leave them in ignorance of the 
truth. I would — 

I was suddenly seized, the door swung 


136 GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 

open, and I was half lifted, half dragged into 
the corridor, where I laj for an instant a 
quivering heap. 

“ A pretty specimen you are to be prowl- 
ing about. Poor wretch, what plunder are 
you after ?” 

I rose painfully and looked at the speaker. 
It Vas Rosco. I clutched his arm. 

Come with me, man ; for mercy’s sake 
let me speak with you alone,” I articulated 
hoarsely. 

You are mad,” responded the artist. 

O God, that I were ! that I were !” I 
said frantically. 

At that moment Eugene and my father 
aj)peared ; the latter, when he saw me, stag- 
gered back with a face of ashen pallor, while 
Eugene advanced and said : 

“ Who is this, father ? Why what ails the 
man ?” 

“He is some lunatic evidently bent on 
making a disturbance,” whispered Rosco, 


GASPAR DESMOKD’S PASSION. 


137 


Listen to me, both of you ; let me tell you 
my story before I do go mad, then do with 
me as you will. Eugene, look at me : can 
you not remember having seen my face be- 
fore ?” I asked. 

How strangely he resembles my — my — ” 

Your father.” 

Impossible ! My father was lost at sea,” 
he returned. 

‘‘Not so — that would have been God’s 
mercy. Your mother perished, as did all the 
other passen^rs, but I was cast upon an 
island, where I lived these many years.” 

“ God be praised for preserving you.” 

“Nay, hear me out and then curse me.” 

“Why do you speak thus?” gasped 
Eugene. 

“ Can you not see that he is mad ?” said 
Kosco. 

“ I married your mother, Eva Valmar, under 
the assumed name of St. John because I was 
a fugitive from justice. My real name is — ” 


138 GASPAR DESMOND’S PASSION. 

Spare iis ! spare us !” cried my father, 
re-entering. I was so crazed by the situation 
that I forgot caution. I did not heed his ap- 
peal, nor observe the tall white-robed figure 
on the stairs. 

Well, well, why don’t you speat ?” ex- 
claimed Eugene in agitation. 

I am Gaspar Desmond, and — and Guine- 
vere’s — father !” ^ 

A sound that was neither a moan, a sob, 
nor a shriek told us that she had heard all. 
I looked up : her form tottered and the next 
instant fell forward down the flight of stairs 
and rolled into the centre of the corridor. 

Eugene lifted her up to find that she was 
dead. Her lips were flecked with blood, and 
the veil and snowy breast were marked with 
a crimson stain. 

My father sank on the floor, tearing at his 
white hair; the guests rushed in and uttered 
startling cries. 

Rosco caught me by the throat and would 


GASPAIl DESMOND’S PASSION. 


139 


have strangled me in his fury had not a pistol 
shot warned him of another tragedy. He 
threw me aside to catch Eugene in his arms, 
who had just returned to the corridor, having 
carried Guinevere to her room. 

O Eugene, how could you do it ex- 
claimed Rosco brokenly. 

Because I loved her, and I have nothing 
— nothing now to live for. Bury us — to- 
gether — in one — grave.*’ 

His hand relaxed, and the pistol dropped 
to the marble floor. I tried to reach for it, 
but at that moment Petterson appeared, and 
taking me in his arms bore me from the scene 
of maddening grief — from the harvest of my 
passions. 

I did not die; I did not even weep, or 
moan, or curse, or pray ; but it was a week 
before I uttered any sound or comprehended 
what had been. 

A word more and all is told. My father 
drew up his will, dismissed his servants, 


140 


GASPAR DESMOKd’S PASSION. 


ordered tlie stock all sold and the house 
closed ; then, leaving me in Petterson’s care 
he went away and was seen no more. 

Six months later he was reported killed 
while participating in a rebellion in South 
America. 

I alone remain — exist, not live — loving 
nothing, fearing nothing, for my heart is 
dead. 


THE END. 



KREUTZER SONATA 
BEARING FRUIT. 


PUBLISHER’S PREFACE. 


This book lias been written and is pub* 
listed with the idea of providing an anti- 
dote to the teachings and ideas set forth in 
“ Kreutzer Sonata,” and we hope it will re- 
ceive, as it deserves, a wide circulation. 

The Publisher. 


Sept., 1890. 


8 



AUTHOE’S NOTE. 


Yonkeks, N. Y., Sept. 1st, 1890. 
To J. S. OaiLviE, PuhUsJie7% 

57 Pose St.j New York, 

Deae Sik: Enclosed please find a state- 
ment of facts which have recently occurred 
in my own e:xperience. If you consider 
the story of sufficient interest or usefulness 
to your readers, you are at liberty to pub- 
lish. For obvious reasons the names of per- 
sons and localities are fictitious. My sole 
object in offering my narrativ^e to the public 
is that it may prove a warning to others to 
avoid my errors and follies, and thereby es- 
cape the terrible consequences which have 


6 


authoe’s note. 


befallen me, — consequences whicli were the 
legitimate result of reading Count Tolstoi’s 
‘^Kreutzer Sonata.” 

Respectfully yours, 

Felix Stewaet. 

An answer to the above, accompanied by 
manuscript, to the effect that it had been 
favorably considered, but suggesting some 
unimportant changes, was duly received. 
With alterations, as nearly as possible in 
conformity with these suggestions, the fol- 
lowing story is submitted, which I have en- 
titled “ Kreutzer Sonata Bearing Fruit.” 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


CHAPTER 1. 

Foe many years I conducted a profitable 
mercantile establishment at No. — Broadway, 
New York, and by strict attention to busi- 
ness, honest methods, temperate habits, and 
economical mode of living, I earned a good 
reputation, and acquired a competency. 

Five years ago — on my fortieth birthday — 
I purchased a handsome residence at Yonkers 
and furnished it in good style. Six weeks 
later I proposed to the daughter of Frank 
Walton — my former schoolmate — and was 
accepted. My affianced was just half my 

age, accomplished and beautiful. Why I 

7 


8 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


adored her may be easily understood, but 
that she should love me was a mystery I 
could not fathom, for I was plain in appear- 
ance, and lacked that indefinable polish of 
manner which is so acceptable to the oppo- 
site sex. I was sensitively conscious of all 
my defects, and when I expressed my mis- 
givings she would silence me with her sweet- 
est smile, and say : To me you are beautiful. 
In your nobility of character I discover all 
that is worthy of admiration and love.” That 
she was sincere I never doubted. To me 
Anna Walton was an ideal woman; gentle, 
sympathetic, and of noble impulses, she had, 
like myself, received a strictly religious train- 
ing, and her delicate impressionable nature 
knew nothing of evil, I regarded her as a 
spirit too lovely, too ethereal for this world of 
sin. 

The night before our nuptials I carefully 
reviewed my past life. Had I been guilty of 
any iniquity — any immoral act that could de^ 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUn. ^ 

prave my manhood and make me unfit to 
mate with chastity ? My thoughts were deep 
and searching, and I thanked God, that for 
forty years, though not free from all censure, 
I had not been a slave to my passions ! I 
had not robbed woman of her virtue, or con- 
fused my brain with wine, or committed my- 
self in any form to immoral enjoyment. 
How I rejoiced in the knowledge that I 
could go to Anna pure as she was, pure as 
every man should be who seeks to wed an 
honest woman ! 

I had been the laughing-stock of many of 
my companions who thought it quite proper 
to indulge all their desires ; who deemed it 
their duty to destroy half a dozen women ; 
who dulled their conscience with alcohol and 
who termed a man ^‘‘not a man” who did 
not satisfy his appetites and revel in unright- 
eous pleasures. When I declared woman too 
sacred to be sacrificed to the gratification of 
man’s carnal desires, I was ridiculed, and 


10 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


called a crank,” a fanatic on tke subject of 
woman’s virtue,” a man in name only,” etc., 
etc. I observed that men in all stations of 
life — young and old, rich and poor, were 
largely controlled by their unwholesome ap- 
petites, the excess of which they did not seek 
to subdue, but rather gloried in ; that intel- 
lectual, and moral training went for naught; 
that invariably the animal instincts predomi- 
nated. I learned to believe that woman was 
naturally pure in her affections and character 
when not tempted by man ; that she was a 
being to be held sacred as a blessing God- 
given ; a being to cherish and protect, not a 
creature to victimize and destroy. 

Thus I had reasoned, and thus conquered 
any evil inclinations that might have strug- 
gled within me. 

When I met Anna Walton I loved her, not 
with a fierce consuming fire that scorches the 
soul, and controls the reason, but with a sub- 
dued emotion that produced a delicious sense 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


11 


of rest. I honored her as I did my mother, 
and had her happiness required it, I would^ 
sacrificed all I possessed, my liberty, and my 
very life. We were married, I did not at- 
tempt to presume^.too much upon a husband’s 
rights; the same magnetic influence that had 
drawn us together asserted itself and made 
us one. We were very happy in our new re- 
lation, but we sought to avoid that surfeit 
of bliss which so often produces a moral 
dyspepsia. We recognized the sanctity of 
the alliance and endeavored to conscientiously 
fulful its requirements. 

Five years of such tranquil happiness ! No 
quarrel, no discord, we mutually agreed on all 
things. Our faith in each other was complete ! 
All was joy, and sunshine ! I called my home 
a paradise, my wife a saint ! Had I kept my 
mind pure I should never have changed my 
opinion, but I listened to evil advice ; I filled 
my brain with tainted knowledge and saw 
woman in a new light. What frailities were 


12 KEEUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 

hers ! what a shallow heart ! what evil long 
ings ? I saw no longer the holy being sent 
to bless man ; she had become his curse ! she 
held it in her power to torture, to make his 
waking hours a hell, his sleep a dream of 
horror ! 

And what wrought this fearful change? 
what caused this terrible awakening from my 
Elysium ? what drove the angel from my para- 
dise and set the devil supreme in its place ? 
A book — “Kreutzer Sonata.” 


KEEUTZEE SOKATA BEAEIKG EEUIT. 


13 


CHAPTER II. 

How short had been those years of bliss ; 
how long the succeeding weeks of agony. In 
a single day the tempest rose, destroyed my 
happiness and engulfed my world of love and 
truth. 

During the months of June and July, I had 
worked with redoubled vigor and allowed 
myself no rest. I endured the extreme heat, 
and — though I often felt really ill — did not 
relax my mental and physical exertions. 

A cousin of mine had returned from London 
with mammoth ideas of enlarging my busi- 
ness, and supplying foreign trade. He talked 
me into the folly of forming a stock company, 
he, Wilson, taking shares enough to make him 
one of the managing directors. In complet- 


14 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


ing this new arrangement I was compelled to 
occupy myself more closely than ever. I 
was particularly anxious to get matters in 
such shape as would warrant my putting a 
substitute in my place, for my wife’s health 
had been failing since the birth of her child. 
The doctor advised a change, a trip across the 
ocean, but loath to go without me, she Avaited 
patiently while I strained every nerve to com- 
plete the arrangements. On the eighth of 
August, I have every reason to remember that 
date, I awoke with a headache, and a general 
feeling of illness. Still I dragged myself to 
the depot and arrived at my office eai'lier than 
usual fully determined to rush matters, and 
leave for Europe the following week. 

“ Hallo !” cried Wilson, as I entered. “You 
look all broken up. Been having a night of 
it?” 

“I fail to understand you,” was my cool 
rejoinder. I began to dislike his loose manner 
of speech. 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


15 


“ Oh, the worry over that fickle, fretful wife 
of yours is about killing you, Stewart.” 

I w’as amazed at his audacious remark, and 
returned austerely : 

“Wilson, you not only misapprehend the 
cause of my appearance, but insult my wife. 
Another such insinuation, and I’ll chastise you 
as you deserve.” 

“ Oh, I forgot that you are an advocate of 
woman’s virtues. I most humbly beg your 
pardon. I wouldn’t for the world open your 
eyes to the true nature of woman. You have 
not looked on life as I have seen it, and — ” 

“ No, thank God !” I interrupted. 

“ If you had,” continued my cousin, with a 
sneer, “you would not be so easily hood- 
winked ; or believe so implicity in their sweet 
smiles. Why I could cite you scores of cases 
where women married men twice, and thrice 
their age — rich men only— who in a few years 
died, leaving the fortune accumulated by years 
of toil and self-denial, to a young widow. 


16 


KEEUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


Well they married again, not old men, but 
those of their own age. What of the former 
husband ? He is forgotten, or if at all re- 
remembered, ridiculed and made light of. 
They spend his money and call him fool ?” 

Well ?” I did not know what more to say. 
My head throbbed and I did not feel equal to 
an argument, I did not believe him yet I felt 
uncomfortable. Was I not ill ? might I not 
die, and then would Anna, so young, so fair, 
live the remainder of her years in solitude ? 

^^Bah!” I cried aloud. ‘‘You know noth- 
ing of woman’s purity, because you are not 
pure yourself.” 

“ Hallo ! Stewart you evidently know some- 
thing about it. Righteous judgment, eh? 
One cannot know of these things without ex- 
perience.” 

“ Cannot.” I exclaimed in anger. “ Fool, 
do you think I have no eyes, no ears ? Do I 
not associate by force of circumstances with 


KREUTZER SOKATA BEARING FRUIT. 17 

men who are betrayers of women ? Do I not 
know the double life you are leading He 
uttered a prolonged whistle. 

“ Stewart, you are a crank. All your preach- 
ing won’t change what has existed ever since 
the world began. I tell you women are natur- 
ally as bad as men. They cannot live with- 
out flattery, dress, music, and man’s society. 
You smile. Good gracious ? I am not alone 
in this opinion. Ask any man who has studied 
human nature ; read Tolstoi’s ‘ Kreutzer So- 
nata,’ and the scales will fall from your eyes, 
you will see your wife, as well as other women 
in their true light.” 

“ True light, indeed ! So long as my eyes 
are not inflamed with brutal passion and 
strong drink ; so long as I keep my own con- 
science clear, I shall see her in no other light 
than that of a Christian.” As I spoke the 
pain in my head became more severe, I felt a 
strange weakness creep over me, the room 


18 


KREUTZER SOKATA BEARING FRUIT. 


went spinning around, and my cousin’s voice 
sounded like thunder. I tried to reach for a 
glass of water, but sank suddenly to the floor 
in a faint. 


KEEUTZER SOISTATA BEARING FRUIT, 


19 


CHAPTER III. 

When I returned to consciousness I was ly- 
ing on a couch in my private office. The 
air was impregnated with the odor of cam- 
phor and alcohol. I tried to raise my head 
but the effort caused me pain ; my hands felt 
unusually largo and benumbed, and every- 
thing in the room seemed abnormal. I had 
no desire to shake off the peculiar feeling of 
drowsiness that had come over me, and I 
fell into a sound sleep. When I awoke I 
found Wilson watching me with a smile. I 
made a desperate attempt and stood up, but 
only to stagger and fall back. 

“ What is the matter with me, Wilson ? I 
am too weak to stand.” 


20 


KREUTZER SOKATA BEARING FRUIT. 


Or too drunk,” lie returned, laughing out- 
right. 

“ Drunk,” I cried savagely. I never drank 
a glRss of liquor in all my life.” . 

^^You have to-day, then, and out of sheer 
necessity. It was the only thing to do. Bet- 
ter drunk than dead, eh? When you top- 
pled over in that womanish manner I dashed 
Water into your face, got down your old wom- 
an’s remedy of camphor spirits, held it to 
your nose, laved your face, head and throat 
with it, but all to no purpose. While we 
waited for the doctor to come, I took the re- 
sponsibility upon myself and gave you a glass 
of my good whiskey. The effect was mar- 
vellous ! The doctor said it was just the 
thing for you, that you had become a trifle 
overheated, and was physically worn out. A 
man who has a family, and a business like 
this on his hands, needs a good drink of 
liquor every day.” 

I aid not answer my cousin at once, but 


KHEUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


21 


thought in a vague, dazed way what Anna 
would say when she heard of my drunken- 
ness ; but if I had died would she have re- 
mained single, and mourned my loss ? A 
voice, arose in my heart, and cried out 
with startling force: ^^You flatter yourself. 
Anna is a woman with all a woman’s weak- 
ness.” 

Nonsense, nonsense !” I said aloud. “ I 
shall not die. Wilson, I am sorry you gave 
me the liquor, you meant well, I know, but 
I shall never be the same man again. In my 
own estimation, I have fallen, as I must fall 
in that of hers.” 

Who do you refer to?” asked Wilson 
with a sneer. 

^^Anna, my wife,” I replied with some- 
thing like a sob. Wilson laughed heartily. 
I was silent. 

^Wou think too much of your wife’s opin- 
ion.” he began again, “ I would like to wager 
that she is thinking of something vastly dif- 


22 


KREUTZEE SOl^ATA BEARING FRUIT. 


ferent at this present moment. They forget 
us poor devils the moment we are out of their 
sight providing their desires have been ap- 
peased. Oh, I know them too well.” 

^^What has made you so wise regarding 
their nature ?” 

Observation, a few personal experiences, 
and Tolstoi’s book. His views are correct ; he 
knew what he was writing about. What- 
ever faith I might have had still in woman 
has taken flight, I suspect them all, I trust 
none.” 

“Nothing can shake my faith in Anna,” I 
cried,” looking him in the face, but somehow 
I didn’t feel so strong in my assertion: Why ? 
had my muddled brain already become vul- 
nerable to the suspicion which took such ter- 
rible form afterwards ? Had the demon of 
Jealousy already got his grasp upon me ? 

“ I hope not,” went on my cousin. “ I would 
not for the world see a shadow come between 
you and your wife. By the way, Stewart, 


KKEUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


23 


why don’t you bring her to the house ? Kate 
thinks it very strange that you keep her so 
secluded. Cut off from all association except 
that of the minister’s flock. I wonder that 
she does not pine for want of a change. It 
must be dull music for one so young as she 
is.” 

My wife is entirely devoted to her home 
and family, and of late her health has not 
admitted of her ihaking or receiving visits.” 
But even as I spoke, I knew he read my 
thoughts, and had I not been under the influ- 
ence of liquor I would have told him the truth. 
That I would not allow her to breath the same 
air with him; that I disliked and distrusted 
his sinister face. 

You will allow me to take you home since 
you are unflt to go alone. I will explain the 
whole . matter to your wife.” Wilson lit a 
cigar as he spoke and did not observe my 
look of repulsion. 

No, no, I can go alone ; send for a cab to 


24 


KREUTZER SOFATA BEARING FRUIT. 


take me to the depot and I will go at once as 
I am entirely unfit for business.” 

I understand you ; just as you wish.” I 
tried to rise, but my head felt like a moun- 
tain. Don’t move,” said Wilson, “you are 
not fit to go yet, alone. Your flushed appear- 
ance would alarm your wife, and she would 
have her own opinion as to your illness. W om- 
en jump at conclusions.” 

“ I never told my wife a lie, and she would 
not doubt me,” I responded, but with less 
spirit. 

“You would not know if she did,” he re- 
plied, with the air of one who is positive., 
“However,” he continued, “remain an hour 
or two, for the sake of the neighbors. They 
would talk, you know, and the servants would 
stare and gossip, you haven’t trained them to 
this sort of thing.” 

“You are right Wilson, it would seem 
strange, and still stranger to Anna, I will try 
to sleep off this devilish stupor, and then go 


KREUTZER SOi^ATA BEARING FRUIT. 


25 


home.” I turned my face to the wall, but 
Wilson drew his chair close to the couch and 
persisted in talking. 

^^Advise me Stewart, I am in a little diffi- 
culty. Of course its a private matter, but I 
have entire confidence in you.” 

I am in no condition to help you out,” I 
replied, sullenly. 

^^On the contrary, Stewart, you are just in 
the humor to appreciate the situation. I 
promise not to bore you.” 

^^Just as you like,” was my response. To 
my surprise I felt a strong desire to hear his 
story, a curiosity to know the nature of the 
difficulty,” a morbid appetite for something 
piquant. 

^‘Well it concerns a woman,” began my 
cousin. 

What I expected.” 

^^And the woman is married.” 

“ Married ?” I sat upright, a pang smctx^ pay 


26 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


heart. ^^And the husband — what of him I 

asked. 

“Patience! You are ducedly curious, 
Stewart. Of the husband I know very little, 
and have no desire to know more. Of the 
woman I know too much, she is becoming 
troublesome.” 

“ In what way 

“In more than one ; she is in love with me, 
and as she has more sentiment than brains, 
there is no reasoning with her. She clamors 
for love, love^ and I have none to give her, 
and she is so insanely jealous that I am kept 
in mortal fear.” 

“ But the husband ?” 

“ Oh, he knows nothing. I’ll tell you the 
story. He’s an old man, sixty odd, she just 
twenty-seven, full of life and romance; she 
married him for a home, and said she meant 
to be a good, loyal wife, but when I came on 
the scene her good resolutions melted like 
snow before the fire of her love. For a long 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


27 


time she struggled with her conscience, but of 
course she was only a woman, and did what 
they all do, gave in. She declared it was 
breaking her heart to deceive her ‘noble’ 
husband, but still she would not give me up. 
Her love^ as she calls it, has developed to such 
an alarming degree that she is T*eady to go 
anywhere with me. She pesters me with 
letters, follows me, and upbraids me for my 
neglect, I can’t seem to make her understand 
the situation ; the risk she is taking, the wrong 
she is doing her husband and children, nor 
will she see that I am weary of her.” 

“ Did you point out the wickedness of the 
thing in the beginning, or did you tempt her ?” 
I asked sharply. 

“Oh, in the beginning it was different, I 
really liked her, and pitied her. Yes, I did 
raise some objection because I am afraid of 
husbands ; but she threw herself into my arms, 
and, possessing a fine face, a voluptuous 


28 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


form, and a woman’s artfulness, I was quite 
overruled.” 

And now you want to desert the erring 
creature. Wilson, you are a scoundrel! You 
have stolen the love that rightfully belonged 
to another. You have ruined that woman, 
broken her heart, and dishonored her home. 
I did not think you so utterly depraved. I 
believed you capable of much that was bad, 
but did not think you would betray a wife, 
a mother. Supposing your wife was guilty of 
such an offence ? supposing my — Great God ! 
what am I saying ?” and at the very thought 
of Anna’s. falseness, my soul turned sick. 

“You are only saying what is liable to oc- 
cur. Hold on !” he cried, seizing my arm as 
I raised it to strike him down. “You are 
excited. It won’t do for you to stimulate too 
much. I meant no reflection on your wife ; I 
was thinking of my own, of women in general. 
Come, calm yourself Stewart, and give me 
your advice.” 


KREUTZER SOJTATA BEARING FRUIT. 


29 


I have none to give you. I am completely 
disgusted ! You have no honor, no sense of 
shame ! You degrade your own mother ! You 
are not fit to live !” I spoke vehemently, but 
he only shrugged his shoulders. 

“ I have seen the world Stewart ; studied 
human nature, you have not. If I have made 
a fool of others, you are making a fool of your- 
self. I will leave you to cool down ; to amuse 
yourself with Tolstoi’s ideas. They will in- 
struct you as well.” 

He threw me the book and went out. The 
green-covered volume slipped from the couch 
to the fioor at my feet, and, with my elbows 
resting on my knees, my chin in my palms, I 
gazed at the fatal thing in moody silence. 
Suddenly I touched it with my feet, then I 
asked my self if I should pick it up, read, and 
destroy my faith in woman ; I curled my lip — 
As if such a thing is possible,” I said aloud. 
Kreutzer Sonata, I repeated, the title does 


30 


KREUTZER SOK’ATA BEARING FRUIT. 


not signify much. I wonder if its interesting ?” 
I reached forth to grasp the book but did not 
pick it up, It is only fit for such men as 
Wilson — yet Tolstoi wrote it with an object. 
What is his object? To corrupt mankind 
still more, or to I’eveal the true nature of 
woman ? Yet what can he know of woman ? 
True he is married, but has it not been said 
that he does not believe in the sacredness of 
marriage ? Can such a man honestly judge of 
woman’s faithfulness? I grasped the book. 
I’ll only look into it a little way, to get his 
motive, his object. Why not? I am not a 
child, or a weak, brainless idiot who cannot 
hold to his own opinion. My faith in Anna 
is of a character that nothing can destroy. 
Why do I hesitate ? Why fear the immoral 
ideas of some foreign author ? Bah ! I’ll read 
the book, and show I’m ^made of sterner 
stuff.’ ” 

Chapter one struck me as being weak, and 


KREUTZER SOKATA BEARING FRUIT. 


31 


ludicrous. I read on. After all what was 
there in the story? Where the danger, 
the interest, the revelation ? True the 
vulgarity amazed, and disgusted me. Once 
I was tempted to throw the book away; 
but still I read on. Suddenly I was curious 
to learn Posdnichelf’s story. And why ? 
Posdnicheff’s shameless confession of his 
youth spent in sin, placed him outside the 
pale of sympathy. Was he not polluted ? 
Wherefore should he expect a good woman. 
Yet he said he found one, but what is the re- 
sult? My curiosity led me on. I was horri- 
fied at the brutal action of Posdnichelf; at 
the outrageous sentiments he called Love; 
the tortures of the wife ; the man’s insane 
reasoning ; his cowardly temper ; his horrible 
suspicions ; his deliberate scheme for tempt- 
ing the innocent and desperate woman ; his 
fiendish desires, and revolting crime, repelled, 
sickened yet comj)letely fascinated me. I 
read it all to the awful end, then the loath- 


32 


KREUTZER SOKATA BEARING FRUIT. 


some tiling dropped from my fingers like 
lead. 

I had filled my brain with its poison, and it 
acted quickly. 


KEEUTZER SOKATA BEARmG ERUIT. 


33 


CHAPTER IV. 

“Well?” I finally said aloud, “what has 
the great author accomplished? What has 
he not accomplished ? What youth could 
read such a book without creating immoral 
impulses ; without arousing distrust of wo- 
mankind ? How differently would he regard 
his own mother, his pure sister ! Oh, Tolstoi ! 
what a lesson you teach the young ! Where 
was the thought of your own children when 
you put your immoral expressions into the 
mouth of Posdnicheff; when you thus cast 
such an unholy reflection on womanhood? 
By what right do you pervert the minds of 
the rising generation ? Was it for this evil 
work that God gave you your talent ? But 
I forget the fact that you have been an 


34 


KEEUTZER SONATA BEARING ERUIT. 


Atheist, that you must still cling to the tradi- 
tions of your Atheism. Without belief in 
the Creator you cannot be expected to have 
faith in the creature. 

^^How many men of naturally jealous dis- 
positions you may torture with new fears ; 
how many may learn to spy, to suspect. 
What evil this book may bring ! If your 
object was to humiliate and degrade woman 
in the estimation of the husband, lover, and 
brother, I think you will succeed with the 
weak, the sceptical, but never with the true 
and upright. I am glad that I am strong in 
my faith, that you have no victim in me ! 
Anna, like most American wives and mothers, 
is above reproach. What know you of our 
women ? How can you assert that woman in 
her girlhood is pining with unnatural desires \ 
I tell you that* her purity is entire until she 
meets man, and then only changed by his 
evil influence. Tolstoi, you are all wrong, 
wrong ! You handle virtue as a child plays 


KREUTZER SOITATA BEARING FRUIT. 


35 


with his toys ; you uphold man in his sins. 
You permit Posdnicheff to commit a deliberate 
murder, and have him acquitted of the crime 
on the ground that he had ^avenged his 
honor.’ Honor ! Posdnicheff knbw nothing 
of honor, he had lost all sense of it in his 
youth ; when he married a pure woman ; 
when he tortured the being who had trusted 
him. Was a man who thought naught of 
woman, save that of ill ; who had steeped 
himself in immoral pleasures ; who had lost 
all sense of holy love ; who was cruel, unscru- 
pulous — a fiend in his hate and jealously — a 
fit judge of his wife’s fidelity ? And then, 
had he not destroyed her wifely affections 
with his brutal forces ; had he not pressed 
the lover on her notice against her will, 
against expostulation ? Would not a man 
have sought peace and love elsewhere ? Yes, 
and been admired, and upheld by society for 
having done so. 


36 KEEUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 

Yet I do not believe that Posdnicbeft's 
wife was guilty, criminally guilty. I believe 
lie killed an innocent woman.” 

I gave the book a kick, wby did it so im- 
press me ? Wby bad I read it ? 

Tbe door opened and Wilson came in 
Well Stewart, bow does Kreutzcr So- 
nata ” strike you ?” ’ 

“Horribly !” I replied with a shudder, 
“ Tolstoi’s ideas are all wrong, all immoral.” 

“That is your opinion. There are thou- 
sands in this city who perfectly agree with 
him. He has converted me entirely.’* 

“ That is to be expected since your habits, 
tastes and views on the question of love 
were never very pure.” 

He did not reply, and I began pacing the 
floor. 

“Are you entirely recovered from the ef- 
fects of the whiskey?” he asked abruptly. 

“ r do not know, but I shall go home now. 


KREUTZER SOITATA BEARING FRUIT. 


31 


I am not well and quite unfit for business. 
Will you ring for a cab?” 

Cei*tainly,” be returned pleasantly, ancj 
left me. 




38 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


CHAPTER V. 

Had the woman really been guilty?” I 
was again thinking of “Kreutzer Sonata.” 
It haunted me like an evil dream ; I could 
not shake off its depressing impression. It 
was ever in my mind. In the carriage, in 
the train, on the street, everywhere that vile 
story was with me. For the first time in my 
life I began to watch the women, to stare 
hard, to note their dress, their manner, and 
expression. I would catch their eyes and 
endeavor to read their souls. “ Are you 
good and true, or have you lost yourself in 
immoral enjoyments?” were my mental ques- 
tionings. In the cars I observed a young girl 
not more than fifteen. She was chatting gayly 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


39 


with a man twice her age who glanced with 
admiration at her shapely arm, and rounded 
bosom. The blush that tinged her cheeks 
did not escape me. Is Tolstoi right after 
all? Was he a proper judge of women’s 
nature ? Why had I not noticed these things 
before ?” 

At the depot I saw a lady richly attired 
holding a close conversation with a man I 
knew was not her husband. “ Ah,” thought 
I, this is a clear case, no mistaking his look 
of unholy longing, or the triumph in the 
w^oman’s expression. She knows her victim, 
she is gloating over her power. Poor devil, 
she has turned his head ! ” I so far forgot 
myself, so intent was I in my new curiosity, 
that I stood close by and stared most inso- 
lently at the lady. She finally observed my 
rudeness and called her escort’s attention to 
it. I moved away, but I saw similar instances 
everywhere. I began to question my faith. 
After all I knew nothing of the world. I 


40 


KKEUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


was just beginning to observe and under^ 
stand. 

I burned toward bom6, sick and weary. I 
did not note the scenes of beauty about me, 
the song of the birds fell on deaf ears, tbe 
merry whistle of the farmer boy agitated me ; 
I thought savagely of all the evil he might 
do, of the homes he might destroy, and I 
ground my teeth. 

Suddenly I found myself wondering what 
Anna would do were she ever tempted ; would 
her moral training be her protector ? My 
heart beat wildly, a chill crept over me, but 
I was powerless to banish my wild train of 
thoughts. 

I entered the park that surrounded my 
house, my step was slow, and cautious, I did 
not take the usual pride in the velvety green- 
ness of the lawm, or in Anna’s flowers. Some- 
how their brilliant red blossoms made me 
think of the blood that flowed from the 
wound of Posdnicheff’s victim. I shuddered 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 41 

more violently, but continued my stealthy 
step in the southwest direction of the park. 
I knew I should find Anna there for it was 
her private retreat, a spot she called her 
“ little world.” It consumed about two acres 
of land that were separated from the main 
grounds by a tall wall of Rose of Sharon 
trees. It contained a rose bower, that opened 
upon an artificial lake which cradled on its 
smiling bosom her dainty little boat. It was 
a charming sport, and often we took our tea 
there while watching Anna’s pet swans glide 
gracefully over the water. But now as I 
approached the spot a feeling of vague dread 
possessed me, I thought not of the happy 
hours we had spent together, of the beauti- 
ful things we had said to each other. I 
thought of but one thing. The story of Pos- 
dnicheif, and it occurred to me that I too was 
coming home at an unusual hour, that I was 
not expected, that I would surprise my wife. 

Suppose,” I said half aloud, “ I too should 


42 


KEEUTZER SOKATA BEARING FRUIT. 


discover treachery ? Suppose — ” I stopped 
short, pressed my trembling fingers to my 
burning temples and moaned : What posses- 
ses me ? ” and a voice within me answered : 

^^The Devil.” 

I raised my drooping head with a defiant 
motion. I started forward with a firm, fear- 
less tread. 

Why should I creep like a serpent in the 
grass ? What have I to fear ? The story has 
made me insane.” I even started to whistle 
a song that my wife was extremely fond of ; 
but the first note died on my lips as I caught 
the sound of a masculine voice coming from 
the retreat. I paused abruptly. When I ad- 
vanced again, it was with caution, with that 
cat dike movement. Why ? Did I expect to 
find Anna in any compromising position? 
Had my faith so quickly taken flight ? What 
evil influence usurped its place, and filled my 
brain with suspicion ? Why was I not the 
same man of a few hours ago ? Because I 


KREUTZER SOI^ATA BEARING FRUIT. 43 

had tasted of the demon’s food; inflamed my 
blood with its impurities, and looked upon 
vice as I had never seen it before. I had 
looked for evil and found it. 

I was close now to the flowery wall, a 
step more and I could peer into the bower. 
How low I had fallen ! That a man who had 
prided himself on his virtues, his high prin- 
ciples, his faith in womankind, should stoop 
to spy, to steal — ^like a thief in the dark, upon 
the wife of his bosom, the mother of his 
child ! was indeed an infamous act ; but even 
as I hesitated the stranger’s musical voice 
continued to reach me. Sometimes in a 
whisper and then in a soft, laugh that nearly 
maddened me. 

A stranger laughing with my wife, what 
can it mean ? Why does he not speak up, if 
there is no evil in his words why should he 
be afraid to be heard? Ah, Posdnichelf was 
right ! women are treacherous — false ! false ! 

I clutched the leaves and blossoms and 


44 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


thrust them aside and looked in. There on a 
reclining chair sat Anna, while at her side 
knelt a man. I could not see their heads for 
a large sun umbrella rested on the back of the 
chair and hid them from my view. But a 
man kneeling there on the very hem of my 
wife’s garment filled my brain with sickening 
doubt. I strained my ears to catch his words 
and I heard him distinctly say : 

And such a beautiful foot !” 

And her answer was a soft rippling laugh. 
I would have forgiven her had she driven him 
from her with anger and scorn, but no; he 
had tickled her vanity and she fell an easy 
victim. 

What should I do, rush forward confront 
them and do as Posdnicheff had done, or 
should the same weapon pierce them both as 
Lanciotto’s, Lord of Bimini, had? Murder 
was in my soul. I, like Posdnicheff, must 
avenge my honor. I thought rapidly, tried 
to reason and adopt some other plan, for after 


KREUTZER SOI^ATA BEARIN^G FRUIT. 


45 


all I could not kill her. I had loved her too 
well for that ! and then I was not Posdnichetf. 
Her punishment must come in some different 
way. I would leave her ; write a line and tell 
her I knew all her treachery. I would wish 
her well, though she had so cruelly betrayed 
me. I thought of the kiss I had left upon her 
lips but so short a time before ; of the “ God 
bless you Felix, it will be joyless here till you 
come back,” of her sweet smile and shining 
holy eyes. A great sob filled my breast, tears 
blinded me. I groped my way toward the 
house but did not enter. 

Should I go so quietly, leave her without a 
reproach? drag my tottering limbs to some 
lonely place and die? 

My tears ceased, a wave of anger took their 
place, and I cried aloud : 

No, never ! She would rejoice at her free- 
dom, she would continue this devilish game 
and laugh at my folly. 

“ No, I shall face them, see the villain who 


46 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


has dared to rob me of my honor ; see the false 
one grovel at my feet and laugh as she cries 
for mercy. — Ha ! ha !” 

I did not creep, I did not walk, but like a 
spirit of the wind I reached the retreat and 
stood on the sacred ground. What did I see ? 
Shall I ever forget the shock it gave me? 
Had my eyes touched a live electric wire the 
effect could not have been worse. 

There sat Anna still, her beautiful face lit 
up with a holy light while her eyes rested on 
the tiny form on her lap. Directly in front 
of her knelt the nurse holding a dainty bowl 
from which Anna was feeding the child. 
While at the left of my wife knelt the man 
I desired to kill. He was holding the um- 
brella — ^^that had screened them so entirely 
before — to catch a sunbeam that tried to kiss 
the baby’s eyes, and with his disengaged 
hand he was caressing the tiny naked foot. 
I knew the handsome face now ; the crown of 
curly hair, though the voice had deceived me, 


KEEUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


47 


the features were the same as of old. It was 
my step-brother, Jack. The picture I had 
hoped to see, yes, hoped — for my soul was 
filled with a murderous passion, and my spirit 
longed to kill — was one of licentious love ; 
instead, my eyes were blasted by beautiful 
purity, motherly devotion, and brotherly ad- 
miration. 

I tried to speak but my lips refused to 
utter a sound ; I endeavored to retreat, but 
my limbs seemed rooted to the spot. 

“ Oh, God ! Oh, God !” I groaned inwardly, 
“ what have I done ! Wretch ! monster that 
I am, that I could die !” 

They had not observed me, their interest 
was all in the child ; should they look up and 
see me so. What could I say ? Confess — con- 
fess to them both the horrible truth ? My 
suspicion, my hate, my intent to murder ? No ! 
no ! no ! But something must be done ; I must 
act quickly, for I felt my soul burning within 
me ; my heart throbbing as if it would burst. 


4S KKEUTZER SON'ATA BEARING FRUIT. 

Ala ! I would shout out a welcome to my 
brother; I would rush forward, clasp his 
hands, and embrace him. Oh ! Judas that I 
was. I would kiss Anna, and laugh at her 
startled look and tell her I meant it for a sur- 
prise. Yes ; and then they would never guess 
my wickedness or scorn me. I opened my 
lips. Was that my voice that sounded like 
the dead, so hollow, so distant? Shall I ever 
forget the consternation it caused among that 
peaceful group. J ack sprang to his feet and 
stared at me in awe. Anna seized her child 
so suddenly that it cried aloud with fright. 
The nurse dropped the bowl and covered her 
eyes with her apron. Yet I had said but 
three words: “Jack — welcome — home!” 

Anna was the first to recover herself; and 
with alarm written on her face, she rushed 
toward me, exclaiming : 

“Felix, husband, what has happened?” 

A moment later. Jack had me by the hand, 
and was leading me to the chair which Anna 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING ERUIT. 


49 


had just occupied. His touch was so tender ; 
his tone so kind. 

You look ill, Felix; your hands are icy, 
and your eyes are bloodshot,” said my brother, 
softly. 

“ Yes, yes,” I gasped. 

“Nurse, take baby and send John olf at 
at once for Dr. Bingham. Mind that he does 
not tarry.” 

As Anna spoke she gave the child to the 
nurse and then turned to me with tears in 
her eyes. 

“You are worn out, my poor, patient 
darling, you need rest and quiet. I was just 
telling brother Jack of your unremitting toil 
and all to please me. How selfish I have 
been. Does your head ache ?’” 

She had taken her dainty handkerchief from 
her bosom and was wiping away the cold 
moisture that covered my brow, stopping 
every now and then to kiss my eyes, and 


50 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


cheeks, to caress my limp, nerveless hand; 
the very hand that meant to slay her. 

It was more than I could bear, and I wept 
like a child. Jack was terribly frightened 
and begged me to be calm. Anna was dis- 
tressed beyond expression ; she mingled her 
tears with mine, and in the most endearing 
terms endeavored to soothe me. 

Their extreme ^tenderness cut me to the 
heart, I could not endure it. 

“Don’t, don’t,” I said, withdrawing my 
hand, and pushing them both aside, “wait 
until you have heard, wait till you know 
what a villain I am.” 

“ You a villain ?” and Jack laughed 
heartily. “Forgive me Felix, but the idea 
is ridiculous. You a villain ? You the noblest 
man on the face of the earth ! Come, come, 
the fever has given you imagination.” 

“ I have no fever,” I said with some spirit. 
“It is true I killed my wife just as Posdni- 


KREUTZER SOKATA BEARING ERUIT. 


51 


cheff did, but I am really repentant, be was 
not. You will forgive me Anna ?” 

Sbe looked at me in blank amazement. 

“ Humor bim,” put in Jack in a balf whis- 
per. 

And Anna promptly obeyed by saying : 

I will indeed darling. All is true that 
you say ; but come with us to tbe bouse, and 
ril batbe your tired bead and sootbe you to 
sleep. Come darling.” 

I was sullen, and hesitated. 

“ He is already teaching her to deceive me,” 
I said to myself. Finally I took their arms 
and started toward tbe bouse feeling as weak 
and weary as any child. 

I believe I am ill — ill, both in mind and 
body.” 

Soon I was disrobed and put to bed, and 
I well remember bow active my noble Anna 
was, bow softly sbe stepped, bow lovingly 
tender was her touch. Bitterly I reproached 


52 KREUTZER SOJSTATA BEARING FRUIT. 

my folly and cursed the passion that had 
mastered me. 

At last, much to Jack’s and Anna’s relief, 
the doctor came. He felt of my pulse, looked 
at my tongue, sounded my lungs (which are 
stronger than those of an ox), and shook his 
head. Anna crept close to the wise one and 
begged to know the worst. 

It is not serious at all. It is nothing but 
the result of excitement and overwork. A 
day or two of rest and quiet will fix him up 
in good shape, so don’t look so alarmed little 
woman.” As the physician spoke he did up 
some powders, inquired after the baby and 
with a cheerful nod took his departure. 

“ What is it Tolsto! says of doctors ?” I 
asked myself, but my memory failed me. I 
took the medicine Anna put to my lips and 
promised myself to be a better husband in 
the future. My eyes closed and I fell into a 
fitful slumber. My dreams were frightful. 
I imagined I was in a strange city, and in 


KREUTZEK SOITATA BEARING FRUIT. 


53 


passing throngli a dark street I was constantly 
besieged by devils wlio were selling the 
green-covered book of ^^Kreiitzer Sonata.” 
There the street grew narrower, and the side- 
walks were filled up mountains high with 
the books. “ Kreutzer Sonata ” stared at me 
at every turn, and then as I looked I saw the 
printed pages take form. An arm stretched 
forth, then a human head, and as I looked 
more closely, I found it' to be Anna’s. Then 
a foot appeared, and so on, until the pile was 
a surging mass of human heads and arms, 
and the air became filled with shrieks of 
Kreutzer Sonata,” PosdDichetf,” “ Anna !” 
and Jack !” Again I was addressed by one 
of the book fiends but this time only for a 
warning. 

“Watch the two, your wife and brother. 
You are in danger. He means to rob you.” ’ 

With a diabolical laugh he fled, and I 
awoke. The room stiil rang with the echoes^ 


54 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


of shrieks and laughter and I called aloud 
to Anna, but I was alone. 

“ I suppose she is entertaining Jack, just 
as if I didn’t need all her attention,” I mut-. 
tered with jealous bitterness. A moment 
later Anna entered bearing a tray filled with 
nourishments. But I felt that I had been 
neglected, and frowned as she smiled and ap- 
proached. 

“Where have you been?” was my answer to 
her. “ ^Are you better, my darling ?” ’ 

“I have been making you this drink of 
currant juice — it will refresh you — and be- 
lieving you asleep stole in to see baby. I 
did not mean to stay so long,” she said 
softly. 

“And Jack, where is he ?” 

“In the nursery looking after our darling.” 

“Humph! I thought so,” was my gruff 
response. 

“Wont you drink this Felix, and taste of 
this toast ?” 


KREUTZER SOKATA BEARING FRUIT. 55 

She held the glass toward me. 

I want nothing.” She looked pained 
at my manner and tone of speech, but smiled 
and seemed pleased when I asked her to 
fetch in the baby. 

Oh,” I murmured, as she left the room, 
“ she thinks more of her baby than she does 
of me ; but that’s just what Tolstoi says. 
Women will neglect their husbands for the 
children. I was morbid, and unreasonable, 
and almost hated Jack when he came in with 
the baby in his arnas. My wife sat close to 
me and kissed my cheek as she called my 
brother’s attention to my improved expres- 
sion. She seemed delighted, and Jack rejoiced 
with her that I was better. We talked for a 
little while about the baby and then I asked 
Jack when he had arrived in this country (he 
had been abroad studying the old masters), 
and why he had kept it a surprise. 

“ I don’t know really, except that I fancied 


56 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


it would please you both.” He grew con- 
fused, and looked at Anna. 

And I don’t know what could have pleased 
me better,” said Anna with warmth. 

I was silent, I know not why. 

To prove that I did not forget you both 
during my long absence, is this.” 

He drew from his pocket a soft leather 
case, and instantly drew forth a string of daz- 
zling pearls. 

“ For your fair neck, Anna,” and he threw ' 
them toward her. 

With a glad cry of — “ Oh, Jack !” she 
caught them in her pretty hands. I watched 
her closely. 

How her eyes sparkled 1 her cheeks flushed, 
and her crimson lips quivered. 

‘ How can I thank you, brother, for this 
priceless gift?” she held out her hands, he 
seized them both ; I saw a new light flash into 
his eyes as they looked into hers. A wave of 
color dyed his bronze cheeks, then died away 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 57 

leaving them paler than before. 1 shut my 
teeth hard, and clenched my hands, for I had 
read his soul. He loved my wife, perhaps 
had loved her since the first day he beheld 
her, which was on our wedding day. ^^He 
loves her !” I cried to my own heart, and she 
— ” I did not dare to think to answer that 
question. 

The pearls,” I spoke aloud, am I not to 
see them ? You treat me like a child in every- 
thing since Jack has come.” 

“ Oh, Felix darling, I really believe you are 
jealous of poor Jack. Here are the pearls, see 
how exquisite ! Oh, how I do love pearls !” 
and she kissed them before putting them 
around her snowy throat. 

Perhaps Jack had kissed them too ! The 
more I thought of the matter the more I felt 
convinced that he loved Anna. 

I am glad you are pleased, and I hope you 
are too, Felix,” raising his dark eyes to mine. 


58 


KREUTZER SOITATA BEARIN’G FRUIT. 


Oh, yes, but the gift is much too costly,” 
I replied. 

Nothing can be too costly for Anna I am 
sure.” 

Thank you. Jack.” 

Dinner was announced, and I was obliged 
to lie quiet and see them depart together. 
Though Anna expressed her willingness to 
remain with me I insisted on being left alone. 
I wanted to brood over my new discovery ; 
nurse the new feeling of hatred and lament 
over my great wrongs. J ack was just Anna’s 
age and possessed all the qualities w'hich I 
lacked. He was tall, graceful, and handsome 
of face, and his voice was of that peculiar sub- 
dued tone that never fails to charm the ear. 
And then; he was so fond of baby. 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


59 


CHAPTER YI. 

A WEEK went by, yet I was in no condition 
to attend to business. I bad no reason to 
complain of Anna’s attention to me for sbe 
was all devotion. Sbe bore my fretful re- 
marks with tbe patience of an angel. When 
I wept, and found fault with providence sbe 
consoled, when I tortured ber sbe was silent. 
Jack too, tried bard to please me but I was 
moody, ill-tempered, and savage. 

I watched them with tbe glare of a tiger 
when they were together, which they often 
were, for they sang the same pieces ; played 
tbe same instruments ; read tbe same books ; 
and both loved haby. Gradually it dawned 
upon me that these two must learn to care for 
each other, they were so alike ; two beautiful 


CO 


KEEUTZER SOKATA BEARIKG FRUIT. 


blossoms, while 1 was like a withered leaf. I 
began to envy Jack all his gifts. Why had 
nature been so generous to him and passed 
me by? Why could he make a world of 
beauty grow beneath his brush, while I could 
not train a flower ? Why could he charm 
them all, even baby, with his bewitching 
smile, and I could attract nothing, not even 
the dog would come at my call, while it licked 
his hand, and followed him like his shadow. 

I fancied that Anna saw the contrast for 
more than once her eyes wandered from my 
plain features to those of Jack ; and the hot 
blood would tinge my sallow skin as I ob- 
served her dreamy look when he pictured to 
her some of the scenes he had visited. Once 
I heard her sigh, and with a sneer, I said : 

“Don’t become impatient Anna, you shall 
yet go to Italy.” 

“If we had only been with Jack, Felix, 
what a delightful time we would have had,’' 
was Anna’s answer. 


KREUTZEll SOIiTATA BEARING FRUIT. 


61 


perhaps he will be so accommoda- 
ting as to return with us. I am sure I can’t 
see how we can go without him, since he has 
become absolutely essential to — our happi- 
ness.” I meant her haj^piness, but controlled 
the insult. 

Oh Jack, you will come?” Her eyes met 
his. 

“ Nothing could afford me more pleasure. 
But I fear — ” 

“I tell you we cannot spare you Jack. 
Baby cannot live without you, evidently, and 
Anna could not survive the loss of either of 
you. So duty compels you to go with us.” 

How soon do you propose to start ?” asked 
Jack. 

^^Next week, if nothing happens.” 

^^Do you intend to remain abroad very 
long?” 

A month, likely two, possibly three.” 

Then I fear I cannot accompany you. I 


62 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


have promised some work for the Academy 
and—” 

“ Oh, we won’t stay so long then, not longer 
than a month. You must come with us 
Jack,” interrupted Anna, as she pleaded with 
her eyes. 

‘^You certainly must, even if we have to 
return within a week to accommodate you.” 
My sarcasm did not escape Jack’s notice. 
He read my jealous thoughts, and said : 

“ It will be impossible, and since you will 
be busy preparing for your departure I will 
return to the city to-day.” 

^Oh Jack!” exclaimed Anna in a disap- 
pointed tone. 

I was determined that he should not go 
believing me jealous. I rose, placed my hand 
affectionately on his curly head, and said, 
with an attempt at earnestness : 

Jack, I have not seen you for years ; you 
know I am not well, that I need your society, 
and that you are absolutely necessary for our 


KKEUTZER SON'ATA BEARING FRUIT. 


63 


European trip. Stay with us brother, and if 
you must paint for the Academy, make a 
study of Joe, the gardener — or if that is not 
your style, paint ” — ^my eyes rested on Anna’s 
beautiful face, and an evil thought entered 
my brain ; “ paint,” I continued, “ Anna’s pic- 
ture.” 

A rich wave of color crept from her throat 
to her brow, and her eyelids drooped before 
the flash of joy that filled my brother’s eyes. 

“ Thank you, Felix, since you are so good, 
and desire it, I will stay and go with you to 
sunny Italy. We shall be a merry party,” 
said Jack, warmly. 

Ah, thought I, with a fierce exultation. I 
knew that would conquer him. They love 
each other, I am no longer blind. But they 
shall not betray me. I will watch, and if I 
discover treachery, such as Posdnicheff hath 
found, I will — I will not kill, but like a 
wounded stag creep away to die. They 
would see the wrong of it some day; and 


64 


KEEUTZEE SONATA EEAEING FEUIT. 


then remorse will gnaw their hearts and 
eat away their happiness. The sympathy of 
the world would be with me ; it would cen- 
sure her, the sinner, and pity me the martyr. 

We had wandered out on the shady lawn. 
Jack, baby, and Anna were in advance, while 
I followed with a slow step thinking deeply 
of all their unholy bliss, of all my lonely 
suftering, my self-sacrifice. I paused as tears 
dimmed my eyes and rolled over my cheeks, 
tears of self-pity. I quickly brushed them 
away for fear they might observe, the bitter 
drops, and question me. Idle conceit ! They 
were already seated beneath a spreading pine 
and closely engaged in looking for baby’s first 
tooth. I began to hate the child. 

Jack and Anna were so close together that 
their locks mingled. The sight aroused the 
demon within me, and it cried out savagely 
that I was being betrayed, that if they did so 
much before my very eyes, what would they 
not do when alone ; that the baby was a pre- 


KREUTZEE SOITATA BEARIE'G FRUIT. 


65 


text, that their hearts were filled with unholy 
desires. That Anna loved the beautiful, 
cared naught for my plain face, my patience, 
my devotion ; what were all these moral quali- 
ties in comparison with physical charms. A 
new passion possessed her, a passion no longer 
pure, a passion such as Posdnicheff spoke of, 
and called love. Was “Kreutzer Sonata 
right? Would Anna yield? would Jack 
tempt her? would they forget a husband’s 
rights and honor ? 

Felix ! Felix ! What in the world can 
you be thinking of ? I have called you a 
dozen times, and yet you pay no attention ; 
come and see baby’s tooth, such a darling lit- 
tle pearl ! Jack was right after all.” Anna 
shook me as she spoke and tried to drag me 
with her. 

“ Excuse me, I am really too comfortable 
to move, I will take Jack’s word for it.” My 
contemptible reply seemed to stagger her. 


66 KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 

look at baby’s first tootb?” and her 
eyes filled. 

“ Some other time. I am busy thinking.” 

Her anger rose, For shame !” she cried, 
You don’t take the slightest interest in our 
child. You are not the least bit like other 
men.” 

^^No, other men are different ; Jack for in- 
stance.” 

“ Yes, he is different. He does not mope 
and frown and speak crossly to baby when he 
cries, as you do. You are completely changed ; 
you are dissatisfied with everything I do or 
say. I cannot please you no matter how hard 
I try.” She began to sob. 

“But you seem to please Jack,” I retorted. 
“Perhaps you are sorry that you had not 
married him instead of me.” 

“ Oh Felix ! ” she broke forth, startled and 
amazed. 

“ You do not say to the contrary,” I went 
on. 


KEEUTZER SOKATA BEARIITG FRUIT. 


67 


A moment she looked at me with cold con- 
tempt. 

begin to understand you. Jack shall 
go at once.” ' 

She moved rapidly toward the house, 
whither Jack had already gone. I called to 
her to return, but she did not heed me : I 
ran after her and seized her hand. “ Anna,” 
I said sternly, ^4t is my will that Jack shall 
remain here.” 

“ And it is mine that he shall go ! ” 

The angry eyes, her defiant tones, came 
like a revelation. I thought instantly of 
Posdnicheif’s wife, I recognized the look of 
hate such as he saw in his wife’s eyes. A 
hate for me, born of the love she has for 
Jack. I have become an obstacle, I am in 
her way. Oh ! oh ! that I should live to 
know it. 

I tried to calm the devil that raged within 
but I was no longer my own master. 

“Our first quarrel,” I said aloud and she 


68 


KKEUTZER SOKATA BEARING FRUIT. 


miglit have avoided it ; might have disarmed 
my suspicion with a few vows of loyality and 
love ; but no, she was angry — angry that I 
had discovered her secret, and now she would 
drive Jack away, not because her heart de- 
sired it, but that she realizes the danger now 
that I knew her heart. How she would pine 
in secret for him, long for him, worship him 
in silence, and believe him a god among men. 

Oh, was there ever so cruel a discovery. 
And I have loved her so; and he, my brother 
to be guilty of this ! What course shall I 
pursue ? Do as Posdnicheff did ? Tempt, 
watch, and surprise them? For a moment 
my better angel mastered Satan, and said : 

“Do not be rash, remember the bower 
scene, remember you were all wrong. What 
right have you to doubt her ? Wherein has 
she sinned ? How destroyed your faith ? 
Send Jack away ! send him away, and let 
peace come between you.” 

“ But why should I send him away ? If 


KREUTZER SOITATA BEARIITG FRUIT. 69 

there is no danger why need he go ? Where- 
as on the other hand if there is danger it is 
better that I should know the whole truth. 
No, Jack must stay. If he does not love 
her he will not falter ; he will protect my 
honor as well as his own. I will follow Posd- 
nicheff’s advice, his — plan. I will know 
whether my happiness is built on a rock or a 
heap of sand. 

To-morrow I shall begin.. I will speak to 
the butler and he shall watch them while I 
attend to my business in the city. I shall 
come out at all unreasonable hours. I will 
surprise them at every turn, and if they have 
guilty thoughts I shall soon know them. It 
was wonderful how completely I gave my- 
self up to these wild, fearful doubts. It 
robbed my nights of sleep, and my days of 
rest. I became a monomaniac on the subject. 
I could not eat, and could think of naught 
but Posdnicheff’s story, and my reality. 
What a hell it was ! 


'J'O kheutzeh soitata beaeikg eeuit. 

I entered tlie house and found Jack at the 
piano. For some time I watched him from 
the door, then I advanced, and he to my as- 
tonishment rose from the instrument and 
approached me. 

Felix,” he said, looking me full in the 
face, “You do not trust me.” My eyes fell 
before his steady gaze. 

“ Speak,” he continued, “ am I not right.” 

“You are talking Greek,” I said evasively. 

“Why are you jealous of me Felix?” he 
persisted. 

“ J ealous of you,” I exclaimed with well- 
assumed surprise. “ Jealous ? What ever put 
that absurd idea into your head ? Jealous ? ” 
and I laughed with well-simulated hearti- 
ness. 

“ I think I had better pack my trunk and 
leave.” 

“ Don’t be silly Jack,” I interposed with a 
show of anger. “ If you go now I shall cer- 
tainly conclude that I hdiA. o^eason to be jeal- 


KEEUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


71 


ous. A man never runs away unless there is 
danger. 

that is your view of it,” said Jack 
reluctantly, “ why I shall stay ; but you must 
admit that you have acted very strangely the 
past few days, and I just heard Anna crying 
as she went to her room.” 

“She accuses me of neglecting the baby, 
just as you accuse me of being jealous. Nei- 
ther one of you will see that I am worried 
with business cares, and fretting over my 
poor health.” 

“ Forgive me, brother, if I have entertained 
a false impression, if I have done you injus- 
tice,” and he held out his hand which I took, 
and asked : 

“ Then you will stay ?” 

“Yes, if it’s your wish.” 

“And paint Anna’s portrait?” 

He hesitated. 

“ Yes, if you also wish it.” 


72 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING ERUIT. 


do, with all- my heart. When will you 

begin 

“ To-morrow, if you desire I am ready.” 

He turned to the piano and ran his white 
fingers over the keys, To hide his emotion,” 
was my mental comment. I turned to go. 

“ I will see Anna, Jack, and arrange with 
her to wear a dress I am particularly fond of, 
and I know your artistic eye will admire its 
beauty.” 

When I entered Anna’s apartment I found 
her sitting near the window in a dejected at- 
titude. When she raised her head I saw 
that she had been weeping ; that her cheeks 
were pale, and her lips quivered. 

Dearest,” I began, Jack and I have just 
settled about the portrait. He will begin the 
picture to-morrow.” 

“ J ack must leave us !” I will sit for no 
picture.” 

“ Anna,” I sat close beside her, “ I have re- 
quested Jack to remain, and he has promised 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


73 


to do so. If you should request him now to 
go, you would be only betraying your feelings.” 

What feelings have I to betray?” she asked 
sharply. 

Why your dislike for him,” I responded 
cunningly. 

‘^Dislike; why should I dislike him? It 
is quite the contrary, I like him.” 

^^Ah, you confess it !” I checked myself 
in time. ^^Well, it gives me joy, “I added 
quickly, “ for you will do all possible to make 
his visit pleasant. Eemember he is all that 
is left of my family, and we should try to 
keep him with us. Would you drive him 
away ?” 

No, but 

But what ? Are you afraid of him or your- 
self ? 

“Felix Stewart, I do not like your insin- 
uating remarks.” 

“ Nor I your manner of hesitation,” was my 
reply. 


74 KEEUTZER SONATA BEARINTt FRUIT. 

She, was silent for a moment, then said : 

Jack shall now remain at all hazards.” 

And you will sit for the portrait ?” 

‘‘No, sir.” 

“ But suppose I insist ?” 

“ Insist ?” she cried, springing to her feet, 
her eyes full of angry fire, “ Sir, am I your 
slave, to be commanded at will ?” 

“Do you forget that you promised to love 
honor, and obey ?” 

“ No,” she said slowly, her anger melting 
away. “I have not forgotten, and I have 
most faithfully endeavored to fulfil my vow. 
I think, however, you are presuming on your 
right when you talk of ‘insisting.’ You 
have acted cruelly and unlovingly ever since 
the day you came home sick. Truly I have 
not deserved it” 

She bowed her head in her hands and 
sobbed aloud. I was tempted to fold her in 
my arms, to kiss away her tears, to ask her 
to bear with me, that I was mentally ill since 


KBEUTZER SOI^ATA BEARING FRUIT. 


75 


I had read the story of Kreutzer Sonata,” 
that I was possessed of the devil and needed 
all her help, all my strength to drive him out. 
I put forth my hands, bat they dropped at 
my side as I recalled Posdnichelf ’s description 
of their quarrels. How they had kissed, and 
caressed each other, while the hate still lin- 
gered. No, I would not fondle her while my 
spirit was wrestling with doubt. 

In my heart I firmly believed that Anna 
loved my brother. I recollected that she had 
not dressed with so much care during our 
married life as now. I knew that she was 
romantic in many ways, and that Jack could 
make himself irresistible. 

Felix,” said my wife, suddenly drying her 
eyes, ^‘what have I done to change you so 
completely, to merit your reproach ? Have I 
not been a most faithful, and devoted wife ? 
Believe me I am nof guilty of an unworthy 
thought 01 act. Ho not doubt me Felix, 
do not let a shadow come between us ! Take 


76 


KREUTZEE SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


me in your arms, as of old. Let us forget 
tills, our first quarrel. Husband, hear me, 
for baby’s sake ! for baby’s sake ! for baby’s 
sake !” 

I was conquered. I took her in my arms, 
asked her to forgive me, to love me as she had 
always done. I called myself a brute, a 
wretch ! I promised to trust her in all things ; 
at all times ; to look after the baby and not 
slight him again. 

She declared that it was our first and only 
quarrel, that she would sit for her picture, 
and wear the dress I desired, to please me, 
and that Jack should remain, and even be- 
come one of the family. 

We laughed at our folly, and talked it over 
like two foolish little children. We kissed, 
and declared that the wound was healed. 
We were the best of friends. 

Alas ! for the inconsistency of human na- 
ture ! Anna left me to “ take a peep at baby,” 
and • I sat quietly for a while musing over 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 77 

what had taken place, I concluded that it was 
by far the happiest hour I had known. 

I finally went over to Anna’s escritoire 
with the intention of writing out a check to 
present to her at dinner. I noticed that the 
ink well stood open, and vaguely wondered 
if Anna had been writing. The blotter was 
a fresh one tied with a dainty blue ribbon. 
I picked it up, and across the centre were two 
lines. I studied them. One looked like 
^^Jack.” I thought a moment, then taking 
the blotter to the mirror, I read — Thursday 
afternoon. Dear Jack.” 

Fiend!” I exclaimed, “damnable treach- 
erry ! Fool ! fool ! How I have been duped ! 
— “ Dear Jack,” indeed ; writing to hiiji, and 
peihaps even now she is being clasped in his 
arms, with her false red lips pressed to his, 
just as she pressed mine but a moment ago. 
Perhaps they are laughing at my blindness, 
at my weakness. Oh, that I had not yielded 
to her beguiling ways, to her treacherous 


78 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


smile, to lier wicked tongue ! Eevenge ! I 
must have revenge !” I rushed towards the 
door, but there paused. 

I must be calmer, I must be sure that they 
are guilty first. I must plan, watch, and then 
act. 

“Tolstoi you have opened my eyes, I shall 
save my honor !” 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING ERUIT. 


79 


CHAPTER VIL 

After dinner we adjourned to the parlor, 
I urged Anna to play and Jack to sing. I 
watched them both just as Posdnicheff had 
done. Not a glance, not a quiver of the eye- 
lid escaped my notice. Yet I saw nothing 
that betrayed their emotions. Once I fancied 
that Jack’s eyes rested with a longing desire 
on Anna’s gleaming white shoulders, but it 
was an instant only. I wondered at my 
wife’s brilliant manner, and once asked her 
the reason. 

“ Because I am so happy, Felix,” was her 
ready reply. 

Often my fingers stole into my breast pocket 
and felt of the fatal blotter, I could scarcely 


80 KREUTZEE SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 

control the desire to bring it forth and accuse 
them both of treachery, but I convinced my- 
self of the folly. The time was not quite 
ripe. 

“Tb-morrow you will begin the picture 
Jack, and when I return from the city I ex- 
pect to find it well under way.” 

I shall work hard,” was Jack’s reply. 

Soon the lights were turned down, good- 
nights exchanged, and we went to bed. 

Anna was inclined to be talkative and 
caressing, but I repulsed her so severely that 
she turned from me with a sob. I pretended 
to sleep, but I watched her every motion, 
listened to every breath. For a long time 
she lay quietly, and I concluded she had 
fallen asleep, when lo ! she leaned forward, 
listened an instant, perhaps to make sure that 
I was sleeping — then crept cautiously from 
the bed. Softly she glided to the door and 
there she paused again. 

“ She is going to him. Ah, I understand 


KREUTZER SOKATA BEARING ERUIT. 


81 


wh^t ^‘dear Jack” means now. Going to 
him in the dead of the night ! Good Heaven! 
what treachery ! Why does she hesitate ? 
Is an angel of mercy holding her back ? No ! 
she has gone ! No ! she is at the door still.” 
I had partly risen — My suspense was fear- 
ful, the drops of water stood out on my face 
and fell on my night robe. My hands 
opened and closed as if they were strangling 
something in their grasp, my fingers ached to 
fasten themselves around her pearl-encircled 
throat, — they longed to crush, to kill. Why 
did she remain there so silently, so long ? 
Could she see me crouching like a panther in 
the dark ? Ah ! at last she has gone ! Now 
for action 1 But hark 1 she is back again, 
she murmurs something, all that I can hear is 
— I better not disturb him.” 

Wretch ! as if he is not waiting . with 
burning impatience for your coming. It is 
your courage that fails you ; your conscience 
that upbraids your devilish desires. Your 


82 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


conscience alone that stays you ! but you are 
guilty, guilty just as Posdnicheff’s wife was. 
I believe ^^Kreutzer Sonata” now. Woman 
is all false, passion alone sways them, pas- 
sion for love and flattery. Your Christian 
belief is all assumed, all is mockery, mockery. 
Such were the thoughts that chased them- 
selves through my seething brain. Anna re- 
turned to the bed, and crept in as cautiously 
as she had gone forth. I leaned forward and 
clutched her arm, she uttered a cry of pain 
and alarm. 

Ah, you fear me,” I said in a savage whis- 
per. “You thought me asleep and meant to 
steal away to him. Wretch ! why did you 
hesitate ? ” 

“ I was afraid that I had been mistaken, 
that he did not cry for me. I must have 
been dreaming for all was quiet when I 
listened at the door.” 

“ Of whom are you speaking ? ” I asked. 

“ Of Baby. I thought I heard him cry. 


KBEUTZER SOKATA BEARING FRUIT. 


83 


Oh, let go my arm ! Felix you are hurting 
my arm.” 

“ How ready with your lies,” I cried push- 
ing her rudely from me. She burst into a 
fit of passionate weeping and sobbed the 
live-long night away, while I reviewed the 
story of “ Kreutzer Sonata,” and waited with 
a fiendish thirst for the final act. 


84 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


CHAPTER VIII. 

At dawn I arose^ and awoke Brown, the 
butler, and impressed him with the import- 
ance of his new duties, namely that of watch- 
ing Jack and Anna. 

“ I don’t like playing the spy on my mis- 
tress,” said Brown doggedly. 

^‘Then pack up your traps and quit the 
place ! ” 

He thought a moment, then said : 

“ Mr. Stewart I ain’t a millionaire, and my 
children ""can’t starve. I’ll do as you say, but 
it’s a mighty mean trick.” 

‘‘Not under the circumstances,” I returned, 
my voice growing husky. Brown noticed 
this show of emotion. 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


85 


I am sorry for you, Mr. Stewart.” 

“ And well you might be. The trouble is 
killing me. God knows I have tried to do 
my duty, and few men can boast of a more 
virtuous life than I have led.” As I spoke 
tears filled my eyes and I went out into the 
park where I remained until breakfast. 

Jack and Anna were sitting at the table 
and holding a low conversation which in- 
stantly ceased as I entered. My wife did 
not speak to me; did not even raise her 
eyes, but sipped her coffee in moody silence. 

Jack urged me to eat something but I was 
too full of my suspicions and hate to partake 
of any food. With a cold good-bye I left 
them still sitting there, and went with an 
aching, jealous heart to my business. On 
my desk I found the book that had created 
all my evil suspicions. 1 did not recoil at 
the sight of it, but taking it up tenderly, I 
smoothed its pages and again feasted upon 
the loathsome diet. This time my sympathies 


86 


KREUTZER SOKATA BEARING FRUIT. 


were all with Posdniclieff, the ]poor hetrayed 
husband. I cursed the woman’s treachery 
and applauded the man’s act of violence. I 
likened Jack unto the Tenor and Anna to 
the false wife. 

My intention had been to go out early in 
the day and surprise them, but it was meeting 
day for the board of directors, and the ses- 
sion was an unusually long one. After ad- 
journment Wilson asked me to dine with him, 
which I consented to do after much persua- 
sion. I drank freely of wine, and discussed 
Tolstoi', perfectly agreeing with my cousin on 
all the unworthiness of woman. I declared 
that Posdnicheff had true spirit, that he had 
done right not to have aired his troubles in 
court; and that he had the courage to be 
his own master, and give up his own life for 
his honor. I argued that if he had been di- 
vorced the woman would have kept on with 
her evil ways ; dragged down honorable men, 
and promoted a thousand other evils. I 


KKEUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 87 

• 

agreed tliat Posdniclieff was justified in kill- 
ing his wife. I had lost the 1’evolting horror 
of murder, I was completely changed. My 
faith was burnt to a crisp ! How mighty 
had been the power that had destroyed it. 

I went home late rejoicing at the thought 
that I should steal upon them in the night. 
Had not Posdnicheif done the same ? 

When I arrived at the depot I found 
Brown waiting with the team. He said he 
offered to take the coachman’s place in order 
to communicate to me what had occurred. 
He also informed me that my wife had sent 
the carriage to meet every train. . 

What did you see,” I began. • Did my 
brother do any painting ?” 

“Yes,” replied Brown, “and I am sorry to 
say that my mistress sat for the picture.” 

“ That is what I expected, there is no harm 
in that.” 

“ May be not, sir, but it was the dress that 


LS KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 

she wore. I counted but two buttons in 
front, and sleeves I could not see at all.’’ 

I laughed loudly. 

“ That is perfectly proper in these days. 
What did they do, talk nonsense, play and 
sing ?” 

While I was in the room they said little, 
when I went into the hall they began to 
talk.” 

“ On what subject ?” I asked eagerly. 

^^Oh, Mr. Jack insisted on knowing how 
my mistress got that bruise on her left arm.” 

^^And she said?” 

That she had hurt it accidentally.” 

The lie ■!” I muttered under my breath. 

^^But,” continued Brown, Mr. Jack de- 
clared the marks had been made by lingers, 
and my mistress broke down and cried.” 

And he ?” I gasped. 

Said, — ^ Annn, is it possible, has it come 
to this ?’ Then they talked so low that I 
could not hear a word for a long time, but as 


KREUTZER SOKATA BEARING FRUIT. 


89 


they passed into the hall Mr. Jack said in low 
tones — ‘ To night then ?’ and my mistress re- 
plied: ^Yes, for I can endure it no longer.’ 
Later in the day I saw them in the ^ Bower,’ 
and my lady went to the edge of the lake 
and stood there for a long time, then Mr. 
Jack took her arm and led her into the house. 
Soon I heard them singing ^ I Know that My 
Eedeemer Liveth.’ I said {o myself, sir, that, 
no woman who could sing as she sang that 
song meant to wrong her husband. I felt 
sorry that T had played the spy, and want to 
tell you Mr. Stewart, that I’d rather starve 
than do it again.” 

I did not answer Brown, I hardly heard 
what he said after that sentence of To-night, 
then ?” How it burned into my soul ! What 
frightful scenes rose before my vision ! What 
terrible plans^ for revenge suggested them- 
selves to my heated brain. I felt no regret 
that Anna had proved herself false. I was 
only conscious of a savage joy that I held my 


90 


KREUTZER SOIJATA REARING FRUIT. 


victims within my grasp, that I knew of 
their treachery, that I was not blind to their 
plans. 

When 1 entered the parlor I found them 
sittin g on a sofa looking ov-er Milton’s “ Par- 
adise Lost’” Even in my frenzied state of 
mind I was impressed with their beauty. 
‘‘ But beauty,” says Tolstoi', is the seducer 
of morals.” I thought how soon the farce 
would be played. In a few hours she would 
steal from me to rest in the arms of her lover, 
but I — I would follow like an avenging angel. 
How she would shriek, tremble, and fall at 
my feet begging forgiveness ! I would not 
wait for Justice, human, or divine. I had 
been outraged, defrauded, and stabbed in the 
back, and I should do as Posdnicheff had 
done. Defend my honor even with her blood, 
even with my life ! 

“ I forgot my early training ; forgot that I 
had ever prayed or professed to be a Chris- 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


91 


tian ; forgot that I had loved the woman I 
meant to kill. 

Anna saw me, and coming forward, said 
softly, Felix, I am glad you have come. We 
were much alarmed.” 

You feared an accident, eh ? Sorry to 
disappoint you,” I said with a sneer. 

Have you had dinner ?” asked Anna, pay- 
ing no attention to my remark. 

“Yes, several hours ago. Where is the 
painting ?” 

“I will show it to you in the morning,” 
said Jack, speaking up for the first time. 

“ 1 want to see it to-night.” 

“But you cannot judge of the coloring,” 
spoke up Anna. 

“ That is my affair, I want to see the pic- 
ture.” I repeated. 

Jack cast me a look of scorn. He was 
about to reply, perhaps to utter some rebuke, 
but meeting Anna’s warning glance, he merely 
said: 


92 KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 

I will sliow it to you, Felix.” 

‘^Pray, don’t trouble yourself, I can go 
alone.” 

“ As you like, Felix. Good nigbt,” -then 
turning to my wife, he took her hand, pressed 
it gently, and murmured — 

Heaven protect you Anna,” then passed 
from the room. 

Felix, can I do anything for you ?” asked 
Anna, as soon as Jack had gone. 

^^Yes, leave me, go to bed.” Without a 
word more she left me. Instantly I went to 
the room which had been fitted up for Jack’s 
studio. I turned on the gas, and gazed with 
anger on the picture of my wife. She had 
worn the dress I had desired her to, but I 
was positive that it was not cut so low, that 
it did not expose the bosom half as much as 
Jack had painted it. I fancied that the 
face was neglected, that the best work had 
been bestowed on the nude shoulders, the 
snowy bustt 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING ERUIT. 


93 


I suddenly seized the canvas and drove my 
heel through it. There,” I cried, he shall 
no longer feast upon her nakedness !” After 
making sure that I had completely destroyed 
the lovely picture I went directly to my 
wife’s apartment. 


94 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


CHAPTER IX. 

Why are not in bed was my greet- 
ing as I entered and found my wife still sit- 
ting up. 

cannot endure your cruel treatment. 
You are breaking my heart, Felix.” 

“You have broken mine already. Your 
infidelity has made we what I am.” 

“ Infidelity !” she gasped, “ My God ! Fe- 
lix, not that. Oh, you do not believe me 
guilty of that ?” 

“Would you deny it?” 

“Yes, before God, before man, before the 
w^hole world ! I am innocent, innocent as 
our child !” 

She grew terribly excited. 


KKEUTZEK SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


95 


“To-morrow we will discuss tlie matter. 
To-niorroio we may know better,” I said sig- 
nificantly. 

^‘You believe me false to you, false to my 
child, false to myself continued Anna in a 
hysterical cry. 

I have proof. I know Jack loves you ; 1 
know — ” I paused, concluding it prudent to 
wait. 

How do you know all this ?” she asked. 

“Brown.” I replied promptly. 

“ Brown,” she echoed, and a sudden pallor 
swept over her features. She raised her hand 
and said vehemently : 

“ It is false ! false ! Shame ! shame upon 
you to spy upon me, to disgrace me before 
your servants. Your jealous nature has de- 
throned common sense. You are not ill, but 
unjustly suspicious, and of your brother! 
How unworthy of you. If you believe me 
guilty with hinij what will you not believe ? 
Oh ! Felix, I deemed you so noble, I looked 


9G 


KKEUTZEB SOiS'ATA BEAEING EEUIT. 


upon you as a god among men, an angel of 
goodness and love. Alas ! I understand you 
now ; liow blind I Lave been ! How can I 
endure life since I am suspected, accused, of 
this terrible crime ! OL, that I could die ! — 
that I could die !” 

Anna,” I said with some gentleness. “ I 
am tired, and want to sleep. I will hear no 
more of this.” Her tears only agitated and 
made me savage. 

will not annoy you, Felix, I — I will 
leave you. My self respect commands it ?” 
She moved toward the door, her head was 
bent forward till it rested on her breast. 

“ Where are you going I shouted. 

^‘To — to the nursery ; to stay with baby — 
baby who has only smiles for me ; baby, my 
only comfort now.” 

“ Baby indeed.” I returned sneeringly.” I 
do not wish you to go, you must remain. Ah, 
I know your scheme, you cannot deceive me, 


KREUTZER SON' AT A BEARIKG FRUIT. 


97 


for I have read Posdnicheff’s story. I am 
prepared.” 

“She still sobbed, but without a word 
obeyed, and retired. Perfectly quiet she lay 
with her eyes closed, but I was convinced 
that she was not sleeping. I was on the 
alert. I had vowed that she should not es- 
cape me. I kept revolving in my mind what 
I should do, when the fatal hour arrived. In 
my insane excitement I thought of the weapon 
I should use — my sword which hung in 
Jack’s room directly over the door. I re- 
membered that Anna had tied the hilt with a 
large bow of blood-red ribbon, and I chuckled 
as I thought of the appropriate color. I no 
longer entertained the idea of martyrdom. 
Self-sacrifice was a weakness ! Tolstoi would 
laugh at such avenge. Death alone could 
expiate her sin. 

Suddenly a feeling of drowsiness crept 
over me ; I struggled to master it, but it con- 
quered, and I slept, how long, I know not. I 


98 


KREUTZER SON^ATA BEARING FRUIT. 


was aroused by a noise, I could not tell wbat 
it was, for when I started up all was silent. 
Instantly I thought of my wife. “ Anna,” I 
whispered. I put out my hand, her place 
was vacant. “ Ah, fool ! She has fled, gone to 
her lover, and I have been asleep, outwitted, 
and cheated of my triumph, my revenge !” 

I sprank from the bed like a mad man, 
threw on my dressing gown, and rushed bare- 
footed into the dark, and silent corridor. 


KEEUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


99 


CHAPTER X. 

Only an instant did I hesitate to decide 
upon my course, then swiftly, but cautiously 
1 crept along the hall, up the flight of stairs, 
past the nursery and on to J ack’s apartment. . 

^^Ha! ha! now I should discover them!” 
I gnashed my teeth, a fiendish smile distorted 
my face as I reached the door. I paused to 
listen, but all was hushed. I entered, crawled 
to the curtained bed and strained my eyes — 
Good heaven ! I sprang to the gas, turned 
on the light. What met my gaze? An 
empty bed ; a vacant room ! — Jack had fled ! 

The snowy coverlid had not been disturbed, 
the bed had not been slept in. On the table 
was writing materials and among the scattered 


100 


KREUTZER SOKATA BEARIKG FRUIT. 


papers was a letter sealed and addressed to 
ipe. 

Ah !” I cried, in a voice husky with fury, ' 
they have eloped ! — escaped my vengeance ? 

I am duped, defeated in the very hour of my 
triumph !” 

I tore open the envelope, my heated blood 
turned suddenly cold as I read the letter : 

“Brother Felix — My abrupt departure 
may cause you some surprise, some suspicion, 
but to-day I promised Anna that to night I 
should leave your house forever. I have only 
waited till this hour in order that I might 
speak with you quietly, but I fear that in your 
present excited condition words between us 
might be dangerous. 

“I have discovered your suspicion, your 
cruel distrust of me ; your brutal treatment 
of the ^»"oman who loves you, who is innocent 
of all wrong, who will be faithful until death. 
Were I in her place I think I should despise, 
and abandon you ! ^ 


KEEUTZER SOKATA BEARING FRUIT. 


101 


“ I will confess to you that I esteem Anna 
as a queen among women, but I would sooner 
die a thousand deaths than be gulity of a 
single act that should insult her noble woman- 
hood. 

^^Only sincere affection for you — the brother 
I loved and believed so noble, so far above 
reproach — induced me to make this fatal visit. 

Before I go, let me swear to you — swear, 
by the sacred love I bore our sainted mother 
— that not a word, that could have done you 
injustice, or reflected on her fidelity, has passed 
between us. She loves you. She would 
rather die than have you doubt her; and 
for her sake I pray that you will see your folly, 
and let peace come between you when I am 
gone. It is for her sake alone that I go now 
like a coward in the night. Brown can give 
you full particulars as to my departure. Fare- 
well, forever — Jack.” 

I stood dazed and stupified, overwhelmed 
by a flood of conflicting emotions. 


102 


KREUTZEK SOKATA BEARIK-G FRUIT. 


If this is true all true, why did she steal 
from me while I slept ? where did she go, if 
not to join him ? I argued. 

^‘To baby, to the nursery,” I seemed to hear 
a plaintive voice say, and a new fear seized 
upon me. 

I rushed from the room, repeating aloud 
that if I should find her I would show her 
Jack’s letter, I should confess all, and hear 
her say that she loved me still, always loved 
me, loved me alone^ and that her loyalty 
never faltered. I would fling myself at her 
feet, implore her forgiveness, promise atone- 
ment, and together we should pray the 
Almighty God to rescue me from the demon 
that had destroyed my peace — my reason. 

I entered the nursery, the child slept softly 
a sweet smile on its lips ; but Anna, where 
was Anna? 

I stood in silence, resting my head against 
the window, raised, to admit the cool, fra- 
grant breeze that came across the little lake 


KREUTZER SON'ATA BEARING FRUIT. 103 


wliich glimmered faintly just beyond. My 
heart beat to suffocation, my temples throbbed 
so I could scarcely think. 

Had Jack written the truth I kept asking 
myself over and over again. Finally I turned 
away from the window, as I did so my eyes 
caught sight of a piece of paper tucked 
closely in the baby’s chubby hand. I seized 
it eagerly, I recognized my wife’s girlish 
handwriting. 

Weak fool that I am to believe her inno- 
cent. She has gone, and this she writes to — ” 

I did not finish for my fingers had already 
straightened out the crumpled sheet of paper 
and I read : 

Thursday afternoon, 

“Dear Jack : 

“Why,” I said aloud, “this is the very 
same as on the blotter. So, so, she has 
placed it in the baby’s hands that her con- 
fession might reach me in safety, that her 


104 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 


child — our child — might plead in her behalf. 
A clever trick ! what do I read: ^ 

^^You must leave us at once, brother, for 
Felix is ill. Overwork has so impaired his 
mind that he fancies you are his enemy ; that 
you would injure him; in one word, that you 
are his rival. 

ask you to go because his health, his 
happiness are the dearest things on earth to 
me. If I am mistaken, if he is well, and his 
unreasonable acts and insinuations are the 
outgrowth of wilful Jealousy, then I shall 
want to die. ; Anna. 

“P. S. — I have reflected. I shall only 
hand this to you in Felix’s presence if at all.” 

I turned the sheet, and there found a note 
addressed' to myself. It was written in pen- 
cil, and ran : 

Felix — husband: I have little time. I 
must be brief or my courage might fail me. 


KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 105 

Tlie note to Jack on tke other side of this 1 
wrote the night of our first quarrel, but did 
not send. I never wrote him as-ain. I have 
been a most loyal and loving wife at all times. 
I looked upon Jack as your brother, and 
gave him a sisterly affection only. But this 
you will not believe, and so I shall bid you 
farewell. I cannot live, knowing that you 
think me a wicked woman, a false wife, a 
depraved mother. Your cruelty has driven 
me to despair. I love you, but fear you, and 
sooner than have you commit a crime I will 
pass out of your sight. I only pray that you 
will now believe me. Be good to the baby. 
Tell him I am at rest; asleep beneath the 
waves over which we have so often glided in 
my little boat. Felix, farewell, forever ! 
May my death purify your heart and bring 
you happiness. Faithful in death, 

^'Anna.” 


I staggered about the room like a drunken 


106 KREUTZER SONATA BEARING FRUIT. 

man, I tore wildly at my throat, I was suffo- 
cating ! every breath w^as a groan ! I was as 
helpless as a child in the presence of my un- 
speakable agony. 

Oh, God ! would no one come, would no 
one go to her rescue ? I called piteously for 
Jack, but I had diiven him away, and only the 
dismal echo of my own voice answered back 
and mocked me. Moments seemed ages, and 
when Brown appeared Go !” I gasped, “ to 
the lake — to the lake ! save her ! save her ! 
For God’s sake, make haste !” and then I fell 
like a dead man. 

I must have lain in this condition for hours, 
and when consciousness returned, my faitli- 
ful servant stood before me. I knew at a 
glance into his tear-stained, woful face, that 
the worst had happened, that I had nothing 
to hope. 

He assisted me to my feet, and, without 
speaking a word, half led, half bore me to 
my room ; and there on a couch lay the life- 


KREUTZER SOXATA BEARING FRUIT. 


107 


less form of the woman that I now knew had 
been dearer to me than all things else beside. 

At a motion from me, Brown glided from 
the room, and I was left alone with my mur- 
dered darling ! alone with my anguish and 
remorse. 


THE END. 


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JUST PUBLISSED. 

F=KI-L-IS©R’S 

Miscellaneous Arcliitectiiral Designs and Details 

FOR 

CARPENTERS AND BUILD- 
ERS, MECHANICS AND 
ALL PEOPLE IN- 
TENDING TO 
BUILD. 

BY THE MOST POPULAR 
ARCHITECTS, 

FALLISEB, FALLISEB h CO. 


This work contains DC pages , 
mostly all plates 1 1x14 in size, 
nearly 1,000 drawings and il- 
lustrations, giving plans, ele- 
vations and perspective views 
of Barns, Stables and Carriage 

Miniature cut of Stable and Carriage House, „ , r, 

by Palliser, Palliser & Co., Architects, New York. HouseS, Greenr.o ise, Sum- 
mer House, a Model Poul- 
try House, Outhouses, Bath Houses and Pavilion, 3 Designs for Cottages of 
moderate cost, 3 I'rame Double Houses, 3 Southern Houses, 2 Villas— with De- 
rails, 11 City Brick Fronts— with Details, 4 Frame Low-Cost Tenement Houses — 
with Details. Also Details of Brick, Terra Cotta and Wooden Mantels in great 
variety, Stairs, Newels, Posts, Rails and Balusters, Fences, Gateways, Railings, 
etc.. Elevation and Section of Brick and Stone Bank Front- with Plan of Front, 
Brick Cornices and Sections, 9 Iron Finials and Crests, 5 Terra Cotta Finials and 
Ridge Crests, 6 Wood Finials and 5 Ridge Crests in Wood, Cornices and Sections, 
Gables, Plan and Elevation of Area Cover, Ornamental Front Brick Work —with 
Terra Cotta Name Tablet, Frieze, Belts and Panels, Niche in Brick Work for 
Statue, One Story of House in Brick— with tile and ornamental bi’ick and b rick 
cornice, Cornice and Pediment for half of 25-foot Front, Brick Bracket and 
Stone Corbel, Cornice in Terra Cotta or Galvanized Iron,. 5 Chimney Tops — with 
plans. Bay Window, Piazza and Exterior Cottage Details, Fire Screen Frames, 
Dining-Room Extension Table, Picture Stand, Library Table, Hall Stand, Hall 
Chair, Dining-Room Chairs. Hanging Toilet Stand, Side Tables, Side Boards, 
Couch. Seats, Wardrobe and Bachelor’s I)res«ing-case, Stand and Wardrobe, 
IT Front Outside Doors— with Sections of Rails, Moulds and Panels, Interior 
Door Trim, Wainscotting, Paneled Ceiling, etc., etc., plainly drawn so as to be 
easily understood and appreciated by the practical man; also Form of Building 
Contract and a complete illustrated list of the best publications issued on the 
subject of building, compiled as a valuable adviser for students of architecture, 
carpenters, builders and mechanics, as well as the public in general. 

This book bound in paper cover will be sent by mail, postpaid, to any ad- 
dress on receipt of price, $1.00. Address all orders to 

J. S. OGILVIE, Publisher, 

57 Rose Street, New York. 



P. O. Box 2767. 



ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT 
BUILDING A HOUSE? 


If you are, you ought to buy the new book, I*aUis*'r^s 
American A rchitectiiref or every man a complete builder, 
prepared by Palliser, Palliser & Co., the well known architects. 

There is not a Builder or any one intending to Build or 
otherwise interested that can afford to be without it. It is a 
practical work and everybody buys it. The best, cheapest and 
most popular work ever issued on building. Nearly four hun- 
dred drawings. A $5 book in size and style, but we have deter- 
mined U make it meet the popular demand, to suit the tithes, so 
that it can be easily reached by all. 

This book contains 104 pages 11 x 14 inches in size, and con- 
sists of large Ox. 12 plate pages giving plans, elevations, per- 
spective views, descriptions, owners’ names, actual cost of con- 
struction, no guess work^ and instructions Hmv to JBniUl 
70 Cottages, Villas, Double Houses, Brick Block Houses, suitable 
for city suburbs, town and country, houses for the farm and 
workingmen’s homes for all sections of the country, and costing 
from $300 to $6,500 ; also Barns, Stables, School House, Town 
HaH^hurches, and other public buildings, together with speci- 
flcat J[^4#orm W cpj|t«i^, and a large amount of information or 
the erection of CwiltfcifS selection of site, employment of Archi 
tects. It is worth $5.00 to any one, but I will send it in pape 
cover by mail postpaid on receipt of $1.00; bound in cloth, $2.0( 
Address all orders to J. S. OGILVIE, Publish EK, 

F. O. Box 276T. ^ 57 Rose St., New Yorl 



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